The cost of TruGreen tree and shrub treatments varies widely by yard size, service type, and frequency. Typical price drivers include plant health needs, the number of trees and shrubs, and regional labor costs. This guide presents cost ranges in USD and practical factors to consider before scheduling treatment or removal services.
Assumptions: region, plant count, service type, and visit frequency. Estimates assume typical suburban landscapes in the United States with standard access and no unusual hazards. The ranges below reflect common service bundles offered by TruGreen and similar providers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Tree & Shrub Assessment | $50 | $100 | $180 | Includes inspection and diagnosis; may credit toward treatment. |
| Basic Fertilization per Visit | $120 | $180 | $260 | For up to 25 plants; per-visit pricing worsens with more specimens. |
| Insect & Disease Treatment per Visit | $90 | $180 | $350 | Includes systemic or foliar applications; higher if multiple pests. |
| Soil Amendment & pH Adjustment | $150 | $250 | $420 | Depends on soil tests and amendment type. |
| Tree/Shrub Pruning & Cleanup | $200 | $350 | $700 | Includes disposal; larger landscapes push toward the high end. |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for TruGreen tree and shrub services spans from roughly $70 to $700 per visit, with many homeowners paying $150–$350 per service for standard care. For ongoing programs, annual budgets often fall between $400 and $1,200 depending on plant count and service frequency. The per-unit cost might be expressed as $/plant for fertilization or $/visit for a broader care package. Assumptions: regional differences, plant density, and service frequency.
Cost Breakdown
Understanding where money goes helps compare quotes and anticipate charges beyond the base service.
| Category | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Accessories | Warranty | Overhead | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilizers & Soil Amendments | $40–$120 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10–$40 | $0–$20 |
| Insecticides & Fungicides | $25–$90 | $0–$20 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $5–$25 | $0–$15 |
| Pruning & Clean-Up | $0 | $120–$260 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $20–$60 | $0–$30 |
| Soil Testing & Amendments | $0–$60 | $80–$150 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10–$40 | $0–$10 |
Labor Hours × Hourly Rate data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> may appear in line items where crews track time, especially for large landscapes or complex pruning. A common breakdown can involve 2–4 hours for a basic visit, rising to 6–12 hours for extensive work on multiple zones. Two niche-specific drivers apply: number of shrubs (10–50+) and presence of protected species or sensitive root zones.
What Drives Price
Pricing scales with landscape complexity and service scope. Key drivers include plant density, plant type, and service frequency. Larger properties pay more for travel and disposal. Disease risk, pest pressure, and soil conditions also influence treatment selections and costs.
Cost By Region
Regional price differences typically reflect local labor markets and material costs. In the Northeast, average visits may skew higher due to dense landscapes and urban logistics. The Midwest often shows mid-range pricing, while the Southwest may run higher on water- and soil-related treatments. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±15% to ±25% from the national average depending on city, suburb, and rural factors.
Regional Price Differences
Three representative regions illustrate variation:
- Urban Northeast: higher per-visit fees; more for disposal due to stricter debris handling.
- Suburban Midwest: balanced pricing; frequent service plans common.
- Rural Southwest: higher travel time, potential soil amendments, and water considerations.
Assumptions: area type, travel distance, and local regulations. When evaluating quotes, ask for a breakdown by line item and confirm whether pricing reflects seasonal demand or promotional offers.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Typical crew rates for tree and shrub care range from $60 to $120 per hour per crew member. A basic assessment or fertilization may take 1–2 hours, while pruning and complex pest management can require half a day or more. For a two-person crew, total labor cost often accounts for 60–70% of the service price in mid-range jobs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes. Each includes specs, estimated labor, per-unit prices, and totals to help compare quotes.
-
Basic — 15 shrubs, 1 small tree, annual fertilization, light pruning.
- Spec: 15 shrubs, 1 tree; standard fertilizer; light pruning; disposal.
- Labor: 2 hours; rate: $90/hour.
- Line items: Fertilizer $110; Pruning $180; Labor $180; Taxes $15.
- Total: $485.
-
Mid-Range — 25 shrubs, 2 trees, seasonal disease prevention, soil amendment.
- Spec: 25 shrubs; 2 trees; fungicide; soil test; amendment.
- Labor: 5 hours; rate: $95/hour.
- Line items: Fertilizer $180; Disease Treatment $260; Soil Amendment $200; Labor $475; Disposal $50; Taxes $40.
- Total: $1,205.
-
Premium — 40 shrubs, 4 trees, multiple treatments, ongoing program with pruning and mulch.
- Spec: 40 shrubs; 4 trees; annual plan; mulch install not included.
- Labor: 10 hours; rate: $100/hour.
- Line items: Fertilizer $320; Insect & Disease $420; Pruning $650; Mulch delivery (optional) $150; Labor $1,000; Taxes $90.
- Total: $2,630.
Assumptions: plant count, treatment frequency, and regional costs. These scenarios demonstrate how quotes can vary with scope and upkeep strategy. Planning ahead for seasonal needs, such as pest pressure in late spring or drought adjustments, helps stabilize annual costs.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting approaches reduce long-term costs without sacrificing plant health.
- Bundle services into a maintenance plan to lock in a discounted per-visit rate.
- Schedule major pruning in the dormant season to minimize labor complexity.
- Consolidate treatments to reduce travel time and combined call-out charges.
- Ask for per-plant pricing when you have a known count of shrubs and trees; negotiate bulk pricing for 20+ specimens.
- Request written estimates that separate materials, labor, and disposal for clear comparisons.