Tree Planting Cost Guide & Savings - Cox Arboriculture Services

At Cox Arboriculture Services, we believe that planting a tree is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in your property and your community. Trees provide shade, reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and increase curb appeal. They’re also a long-term gift — one that grows alongside your family and continues giving back for generations.

But one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and property managers is: “How much does it cost to plant a tree?” The answer depends on a variety of factors, from the type of tree you choose to whether you plant it yourself or hire professionals. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost to plant a tree, what affects the price, and how to make the most of your investment.

Factors that Affect the Cost to Plant a Tree

When determining how much to plant a tree, it’s important to understand that no two projects are the same. Here are the most significant cost factors we see when helping our clients in Central Florida:

Tree size and maturity
A small sapling in a nursery pot will naturally be more affordable than a large, mature tree that requires special transport and equipment. While a young tree may take years to provide shade or privacy, it’s less expensive and easier to plant.
Tree species
Some trees are common and widely available, such as maples or oaks, while others, like exotic palms or specialty flowering trees, can cost significantly more. Native species also tend to be more affordable in the long run because they’re naturally adapted to Florida’s climate and require less maintenance.
Location and site preparation
Planting a tree in a wide-open lawn is simple compared to installing one near structures, power lines, or irrigation systems. If your property requires land preparation or grading, our land clearing services or bobcat services may be necessary before planting can begin.
Labor and equipment
Planting a tree isn’t always as simple as digging a hole. Larger trees often require specialized machinery to move and grow safely, and professional crews ensure proper placement and soil preparation to ensure the tree thrives.

By understanding these factors, you’ll have a clearer idea of what goes into the overall cost to plant trees on your property.

Average Cost Breakdown

While costs can vary depending on your specific project, here’s a general idea of what you can expect when asking, “How much does it cost to plant a tree?”

DIY planting
If you purchase a small tree from a local nursery, the price might range from around twenty to one hundred dollars. You’ll also need basic supplies, such as soil amendments, mulch, and stakes, which add to the expense. The advantage here is saving on labor costs, but it does require physical work and proper planting knowledge.
Professional planting
Hiring a professional tree service like ours often costs more upfront but ensures the job is done correctly. Depending on the size and type of the tree, the cost to plant a tree professionally can range from a couple of hundred dollars for smaller species to well over a thousand for large, mature trees that require heavy equipment.
Specialty and ornamental trees
Trees like palms, flowering dogwoods, or large shade trees often come with higher price tags. Not only do these trees cost more to purchase, but they may also require more care during planting to ensure survival.

Ultimately, the cost to plant trees is an investment in your home’s value, your outdoor space, and even your energy bills. A strategically placed shade tree can help lower cooling costs, while fruit or flowering trees provide beauty and utility for years to come.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Beyond the initial purchase and planting, there are additional expenses to keep in mind when calculating how much to plant a tree. Many homeowners overlook these until they arise:

Soil preparation – Poor soil may need to be treated with compost, fertilizer, or drainage solutions to help the tree thrive.
Delivery fees – Large trees often require professional delivery, and costs can vary depending on distance and weight.
Stump removal – If you’re replacing a dead or damaged tree, you may need stump grinding services before planting a new one.
Clearing space – Overgrown areas sometimes need heavy-duty work. Our land clearing services and bobcat services can prepare your property safely and efficiently.
Ongoing maintenance – Regular watering, mulching, pest management, and occasional tree trimming services help ensure your investment lasts for decades.

Factoring in these hidden costs helps prevent surprises and gives you a more realistic picture of the total cost to plant a tree.

DIY Versus Hiring a Professional

When people ask us “how much to plant a tree?” the conversation often shifts to whether they should do it themselves or hire experts. The answer depends on your goals, budget, and comfort level with outdoor projects.

DIY advantages: Planting smaller trees yourself is cost-effective and rewarding. If you enjoy hands-on projects and have the right tools, this can be a great option. However, incorrect planting depth, poor soil preparation, or improper watering can compromise the tree’s health.
Professional advantages: For larger trees or when planting near homes, power lines, or irrigation systems, professional planting is the safest choice. At Cox Arboriculture Services, we bring the equipment, knowledge, and experience to ensure your tree is planted correctly, thrives long-term, and doesn’t cause issues with roots or placement later.
When to hire a pro: If your project also requires removing an old tree, you may benefit from our professional tree removal services and storm debris cleanup before new planting. This ensures the area is safe, clean, and ready for healthy growth.

By weighing the costs and benefits, you can decide whether DIY or hiring a professional is the best path for your property and budget.

How to Save on the Cost to Plant Trees

Planting trees doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right approach, you can strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and long-term results. Here are some of the strategies we often share with our clients at Cox Arboriculture Services:

Choose younger trees
A smaller sapling may take longer to mature, but it’s far less expensive and adapts more easily to new soil. With the proper care, these trees grow strong and healthy over time.
Opt for native species
Native trees are usually more affordable and require less maintenance, as they’re already adapted to the local soil and weather conditions. They’re also more resistant to pests and diseases common in Central Florida.
Join community programs
Many municipalities and environmental groups offer free or low-cost tree giveaways to encourage homeowners to plant more greenery. Checking with local organizations can save you money while supporting community sustainability goals.
Bundle with other services
If you’re already planning a property project such as clearing land, removing unwanted trees, or stump grinding, combining these with new tree planting can often save money. For example, our land clearing services and stump grinding services are often paired with tree planting, ensuring your outdoor space is ready for new growth from the start.
Ensure proper maintenance
A well-planted tree is only the first step. Regular watering, mulching, and occasional tree trimming services reduce the chances of tree loss. By investing in maintenance, you avoid costly replacements down the road.

Cost of Planting a Tree

So, how much does it cost to plant a tree? The truth is, the answer depends on size, species, location, and whether you tackle the project yourself or rely on professionals. A smaller tree can be planted for a modest amount if you’re comfortable with DIY work, while larger or specialty trees with professional installation will require a higher budget.

At Cox Arboriculture Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners and property managers in Central Florida enhance their landscapes by planting and caring for trees. From preparing the ground with our bobcat services to ensuring long-term health through tree trimming services and cleanup with storm debris cleanup, we handle every step with expertise and care.

Planting a tree is more than just a one-time cost — it’s a long-term investment in your property, your family, and the environment. If you’re ready to transform your yard or prepare your land for new growth, we’d love to help.

Get started today by reaching out through our contact form. Let’s plant something that will bring shade, beauty, and value for years to come.