Tree Transplanting Cost for Big and Small Trees

If you’ve ever gazed at a treasured tree on your property and thought, “it would look so much better over there,” you’re not alone!

Davey blog reader James from California had this same idea about a pair of large palm trees in his back yard. James thought his palms might look better in the front, so he reached out to ask if it was worth the cost to move one or both of the trees.

So exactly how much does it cost to transplant a tree? Keep reading to find out what factors go into an estimate.

What's the cost to transplant a tree (big or small)?

There’s no universal cost for tree transplanting service. Instead, tree care professionals use specifics about your plant and your property to come up with an estimate.

“We consider a number of factors to arrive at an estimate for tree transplanting,” explains Travis McDonald from Davey’s South Minneapolis, Minnesota office.  Cost varies based on things like the size of the tree and the location of the tree, whether we can get a tree spade to it, or does it required special equipment or large crew to manually dig and prepare the root zone for transport to its new location.“

What factors go into pricing a tree transplant?

Before an arborist hands over an estimate, they’ll get into the nitty-gritty details of the job, including:

1. The size of the tree. As you can imagine, moving a large, widespread tree from point A to point B requires more work than transplanting a smaller, more modest tree. In some cases, your arborists may not recommend transplanting a large tree. The larger the tree, the more likely there will be negative effects from root system loss during the preparation phase and environmental effects after the move.
2. The time. Tree care professionals usually work by the hour, so complex jobs that require more time cost more. That being said, when you work with arborists at Davey, they’ll be transparent about how long a project will take and how they’ll get it done efficiently so you can feel confident about the cost.
3. The crew and equipment. To be safely transplanted , some sprawling trees will need a team of arborists or special equipment, which adds to the total cost. On the other hand, small trees usually don’t require as much, and make for a less pricey project.
4. The old and new location: If the tree’s current location is difficult to reach, or its new home needs any sort of prep, that will affect the overall service cost. Or, maybe there are complications like hilly land or a septic system that could impact the job and therefore the price. The bottom line— any conditions your arborist needs to consider to safely remove and replant the tree will factor into the estimate.

How do I find a small or large tree transplanting service near me?

Transplanting is a complex and often risky process, so you want to be sure you’re putting the work in the hands of a professionally trained arborist.

Start by researching local tree service companies, and then check to make sure the company is licensed, insured and accredited. This handy blog post has tips on choosing a company with the right credentials.

Contact your local Davey office for a free estimate on quality transplanting service.