How Much Does a Lemon Tree Cost?

Last Updated on June 13, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

For gardeners and homeowners who love the bright, vibrant taste of fresh-squeezed lemonade or utilizing lemons as a lively flavoring garnish, planting your very own lemon tree can provide many years of abundant fruit directly from your backyard. But before visiting the nursery or garden center to pick out that perfect Meyer or Lisbon sapling, it’s important to thoroughly understand the full scope of potential lemon tree costs involved.

Prices can fluctuate noticeably based on the specific lemon tree type, maturity level, source purchased from, whether you opt for organic cultivation, intended planting location, and numerous other essential factors.

This detailed guide will break down the full range of expenses involved in purchasing and properly maintaining a productive lemon tree over its lifetime, compare costs across citrus tree varieties and retail sources, highlight main investment value considerations, and provide insider tips to stay within your garden budget while still yielding bucketloads of lemons.

How Much Does a Lemon Tree Cost?

The cost of a lemon tree generally ranges from a minimum of $25 for a small, young sapling to $150 or more for a large, mature tree ready to bear abundant fruit.

The average cost for a medium-sized, decent quality Meyer or Lisbon lemon tree from a standard retail nursery falls in the range of $40 to $75. Specialty citrus varieties and trees sourced from premium nurseries can cost $100+ on average.

When weighing the upfront investment against long-term yields and harvest potential, a properly cared for lemon tree can provide years of juicy homegrown lemons once established.

Classic Lisbon Lemons

Among the most widely grown commercial variety, moderate pricing from $50-$100.

Hardy Meyer Lemons

A versatile cold-tolerant starter favorite, very affordable from $25-$60.

Thornless Eureka Lemons

A classic all-purpose type with medium pricing from $40-$75.

Variegated Pink-Striped Lemons

Uniquely colorful striped fruit commands premium collector pricing of $75-$150+.

The more unusual and exotic the citrus variety, the exponentially higher the price tag due to extremely limited availability and collector demand.

MadisonCitrusNursery.com reports that the cost of lemon trees can vary depending on the type and size. For example, the Yuzu Lemon Tree costs $44.00, while the Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree costs $39.00. They also offer a mix-and-match deal for two trees at $40.00.

The Home Depot lists the Meyer Lemon Tree Live Plant (1 gal.) for $34.99, but this price may vary depending on the location and availability.

LemonCitrusTree.com offers a range of lemon trees, including the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree (Bushy, Approx. 1-2 Ft) for $42.95, the 4-5 Year Old Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree (Approx. 3.5-5 Feet Tall) for $119.95, and the 3-4 Year Old Bearss Lemon Tree for $78.95.

MyPerfectPlants.com lists the Meyer Lemon Tree for $29.99, but this price may vary depending on the location and availability.

Why Lemon Tree Prices Matter

When initially embarking on the exciting journey of planting your first lemon tree, taking time to comprehensively analyze projected costs enables you to:

• Create an accurate garden budget to avoid sticker shock on lemon tree purchases
• Weigh all your options across local nurseries, garden centers, big box stores, and online mail order retailers to find the optimal balance of quality and value
• Make an informed investment decision weighing reasonably priced starter trees against more expensive mature specimens already nearing peak fruit production
• Account for regular and ongoing maintenance expenses needed to maximize fruit yield in your multi-season plans
• Focus spending on selecting the healthiest, highest-quality specimens primed for lemon productivity year after year

You might also like our articles about the cost of Japanese Maple trees, bamboo plants, or Cacti.

Factors That Influence Lemon Tree Costs

Citrus Variety and Lemon Tree Type

Popular and widely available starters like Meyer lemons are generally quite affordable, while rare exotic citrus varieties can be extremely expensive and difficult to source.

Tree Size, Growth Stage, and Maturity Level

A larger 5-foot-tall tree near ready to begin bearing fruit costs exponentially more than a 1-foot-tall juvenile sapling.

Retail Source Purchased From

Buying from smaller boutique local nurseries that offer specialized guidance usually costs noticeably more than sourcing from big box home improvement stores.

Organic Certification

Opting for certified organically grown lemon trees often commands premium pricing typically 10-30% above conventional trees, but provides the benefit of guaranteed chemical-free homegrown fruit.

Intended Indoor vs. Outdoor Planting

Container-grown trees for indoor placement require extra soil, planters, and drainage materials that add to costs versus simply planting directly into garden beds.

Cost Breakdown

Base Cost of Tree Itself

$25-$50 for a 1–2-foot sapling up to $150+ for a near-bearing 5–6-foot mature tree

Soil, Fertilizers, Planters or Planting Sites

$20-$75+ depending on organic versus standard soil, number of planters, garden bed preparation

Ongoing Seasonal Maintenance Costs

$10-$100+ per year for water, fertilization, pruning, pest control, etc.

Supplemental Grow Lights System (For Indoor Trees)

$50-$200+ depending on light quality, coverage area, and automated operation

Disease Prevention and Pest Control Measures

$20-$60+ annually for citrus-specific pest deterrents and disease prevention applications

Pruning Equipment, Tools, and Miscellaneous Supplies

$30-$100+ for loppers, shears, pole trimmers, painter tape, grafting tools, etc.

As you can clearly see, long-term lemon tree care involves substantial recurring expenses that responsibly need to be budgeted for.

Why Your Source Retailer Matters

Local Specialty Citrus Nurseries

Better selection but moderately higher prices – $75-$150 average range.

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Budget-friendly prices but very limited citrus variety options – $25-$60 range.

Online Mail Order Trees

Convenient home delivery but high risk of damage during shipping.

Being an informed shopper and buying from reputable retailers provides the best chance of finding a healthy, thriving tree at an affordable price point to fit your backyard growing vision.

Investment Value of Lemon Trees

While larger mature lemon trees do represent a more sizable upfront investment, a properly cared for and fertilized mature specimen can remarkably produce 50-200 fresh lemons annually once well established.

This high productivity over the tree’s 50+ year lifespan pays off handsomely in homegrown fruit savings over time. Consider starting with a very affordable 1–2-foot sapling to gain experience, then eventually upgrade to a mature tree ready for abundant harvests.

Staying Within Your Budget

• Start small with a 1–2-foot juvenile Meyer sapling to gain experience before investing in a large and expensive mature tree.
• Remain flexible on the exact lemon variety – similar hybrids like Meyer and Lisbon provide cost savings while still producing delicious fruit.
• Use container planting to test viability and likely productivity before permanently planting a tree in the ground.
• Closely time sales, promotions, and coupons at local nurseries to snag the best discounted deals on trees.
• Stretch expensive soil amendments, fertilizers, pesticides, and tools across multiple garden plants and trees.

With a bit of patience and resourcefulness, keeping lemon tree startup costs manageable is quite achievable.

Final Words

Producing homegrown lemons does require considerable initial and ongoing investments. But the right citrus tree cultivar budgeted for upfront, given a prime sunny location, planted in rich fertile soil, and cared for consistently over years will reward its owner with abundant fruit and valuable memories for decades on end. Let your lemon tree journey begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifespan of a lemon tree?

Given adequate sunlight, water, nutrition, and pest management, a healthy lemon tree can remain productive for 50 years or more in ideal conditions, yielding abundant fruit each season once mature.

What is the best type of lemon tree?

Meyer lemon trees are prized starter trees due to their colder hardy nature compared to other citrus, making them easier for beginners to grow successfully in varied climates. Their sweeter fruit also makes them a popular all-purpose choice.

Can you grow a lemon tree from a branch?

Yes, lemon trees can be propagated from branch cuttings to potentially grow genetically identical new trees. Cut a 6–12-inch branch tip cutting in spring and root it in water or soil using rooting hormone. Then transplant to soil once roots establish.