How Much Does an Oak Tree Cost?

Last Updated on June 6, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With their majestic stature, hardwood beauty, and immense environmental benefits, oak trees are one of the most popular and valuable landscaping investments for any property. But between purchasing mature trees and providing ongoing care, what is the true cost of these arboreal giants?

Many factors impact pricing, including oak species, size, age, condition, and source.

This guide examines the variables affecting oak tree costs, typical price ranges, planting and maintenance expenses, value comparisons against other tree species, and tips for maximizing hardwood benefits without overspending. Let’s explore the ins and outs of oak tree pricing and care!

How Much Does an Oak Tree Cost?

Oak trees range from just $20 for a sapling to $10,000+ for towering mature specimens.

Containerized Seedlings or Bare Root Saplings – $20 to $200

The smallest oak offerings, from one to six feet in height, span from $20 for readily available fast-growing red oak varieties to $150 or more for rarer white oak saplings. Sold as either container-grown or bare root form.

Larger Juvenile Young Trees – $150 to $500

Larger oak trees from six up to ten feet tall with one-to-three-inch diameter trunks range from $150 to $400 for red oak cultivars, up to $500 for heritage live oaks. Often sold balled-and-burlapped.

Mature Full-Sized Trees – $400 to $7,500

Big mature shade tree sized oaks standing over ten feet tall with wide crowns and thick substantial trunks measuring over three inches in diameter begin at $400 for mid-range specimens but can cost upwards of $5,000 to $7,500+ for truly massive heritage oaks in private sales.

Transplanting Existing Trees – $2,000 to $15,000+

For those seeking immediate landscape impact, the complex process of transplanting entire established trees with cranes and tree spades begins around $2,000 for smaller oaks but easily exceeds $10,000+ for specialized equipment and arborist expertise to relocate mature trees.

The specific oak species, projected growth rate, anticipated planting and transportation costs, and overall landscaping design will influence the total investment costs beyond just the tree itself.

Arbor Day Foundation provides detailed information on the cost of oak trees, stating that the prices vary based on the type of oak, size, and shipping location. For example, a 1-year-old white oak seedling costs $3.00 each, with a minimum order of 25.

McKay Nursery sells oak trees for sale online and in person, with prices ranging from $20.00 to $50.00 for different sizes and types of oak trees.

Cold Stream Farm offers wholesale oak trees for sale, with prices starting at $20.00 for a 1-year-old oak tree. They also provide a variety of oak tree sizes, including 2-3 feet and 3-4 feet, with prices ranging from $30.00 to $50.00.

Arbor Hills Tree Nursery offers a variety of oak tree species, with prices ranging from $479.00 to $659.00 for different sizes and species.

Why Oak Tree Prices Vary

The wide variability in oak tree costs can initially be confusing for prospective buyers until you understand the key factors that influence pricing:

Oak Tree Species – With over 600 recognized species of oak trees worldwide, each type exhibits its own distinct growth habits, preferred climate range, maintenance needs, lifespan, and durability that affects its relative supply and demand. Faster-growing red oak varieties tend to cost less than slow-growing scarcer live oaks.

Tree Size and Maturity – Large mature oak trees with wide crowns obviously command much higher pricing than saplings or young juveniles. Greater age also equates to higher value.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Bamboo, Dogwood trees, or Japanese Maple trees.

Planting Location and Site Difficulty – The required soil preparation work, planting accessibility, distance from the nursery, and whether professional arborist services are utilized will impact total planting labor costs.

Overall Tree Health and Condition – Oak trees currently in their peak vibrant growing condition with balanced canopies will rightfully command premium pricing compared to distressed or declining trees.

Local Availability and Market Scarcity – In certain regions, particularly unusual or exotic oak species that must be imported from specialized growers can boost costs due to limited supply and demand.

Where to Buy Oak Trees

Local Tree Nurseries or Specialty Growers – The optimal source for a wide selection of oak species, cultivars, and sapling to mature sizes ready for landscape planting. Allows buyers to inspect tree form and health firsthand before purchasing. Pricing spans $200 to $7,500.

National Online Mail-Order Nurseries – The convenience of buying rare or unusual oak varieties and having them shipped directly nationwide comes with the caveat of being unable to inspect trees beforehand in person for quality. Reliable photos and descriptions help gauge condition. $300 to $1,500.

Big Box Garden Centers – Mass retail nursery centers provide convenience but often limit selection to smaller container-grown oak saplings best suited for easy transplanting rather than majestic shade trees. $50 to $350.

Local Tree Farms or Wholesale Growers – Specialized regional growers offer volume discounts for oak tree purchases in quantity but require self-harvesting and transport. $50 to $300 per tree.

Ultimately, buyers should focus on identifying oak tree vendors specializing in growing healthy, vibrant stock from suitable planting varieties that will thrive in your specific hardiness zone. This often requires purchasing locally whenever possible.

Oak Tree Planting and Care

Beyond just the initial oak tree purchase price itself, responsible buyers should be prepared to budget additional funds to give their new tree the best chances of not only survival, but vigorous, well-structured growth over its lengthy lifespan. Major planting and care expenses to factor in include:

Soil Preparation – $250 to $700

Properly preparing the soil by enhancing drainage, balancing nutrients, and adjusting pH is crucial prior to planting.

Professional Planting Services – $350 to $1,500

Labor costs to have certified arborists plant your oak properly depends greatly on complexity, permits, and equipment needs. But helps avoid future issues.

Irrigation and Watering Systems – $100 to $500

Saplings to larger juvenile trees require temporary or permanent irrigation systems to establish viable root zones and avoid drought stress.

Fertilization – $50 to $250 annually

Applying supplemental nutrients on a scheduled basis optimizes growth, particularly during spring.

Pruning Maintenance Services – $200 to $1,500+ annually

Careful structural and aesthetic pruning by professionals maintains tree form and health over decades.

Integrated Pest Management – $100 to $700+ annually

Monitoring for and quickly treating oak fungal diseases, borers, and other infestations maintains vigor and prevents contagion.

Preparing for the various annual care expenses associated with helping your oak tree thrive in both the near and long term enables properly budgeting for its lifetime needs versus simply the initial purchase.

Oak Tree Cost vs. Other Trees

Oak Trees – Initial Cost: $200 – $7,500 | Longevity: 300+ years

With excellent longevity, seasonal interest, and ecosystem benefits, oaks provide high return on investment despite spendy upfront costs and more involved care demands.

Maple Trees – Initial Cost: $300 – $4,000 | Longevity: 100 years

Fast growing with vibrant fall color interest, but weaker wood, short lifespan, and potential root invasiveness make maples less ideal for long-term impact.

Pine Trees – Initial Cost: $50 – $2,500 | Longevity: 50 years

Pines offer budget evergreen screening and seasonal winter appeal, but faster decline, disease susceptibility, and water demands reduce value over time.

Fruit Trees – Initial Cost: $200 – $1,000 | Longevity: 25 years

Blooming beauty plus food production makes fruit trees rewarding additions, though intensive care needs limit practical numbers for landscapes.

Analysis of the upfront investment against the potential maximum lifespan and aesthetics reveals oak trees deliver excellent relative longevity and value despite higher initial purchase and follow up care costs compared to very fast growing but shorter-lived alternatives.

Keeping Oak Tree Costs Affordable

• Select smaller saplings for easier establishment and incremental costs over time.
• Join local forestry groups for potential free young tree giveaways and planting guidance.
• Use native species well adapted to your climate and avoid unnecessary soil amendments.
• Monitor for pest issues early and use integrated organic treatments.
• Fertilize minimally but mulch and prune judiciously to reduce maintenance costs.

With smart planning and care, oaks offer lasting, high-value landscape impact.

Final Words

Investing in an oak tree requires careful planning and budgeting, but pays dividends for decades to come. While mature tree costs can be daunting initially, focusing on young saplings allows for gradual incremental expenses more feasible for any budget. Take time to analyze all species options, purchase from reputable nurseries, utilized professional planting services, and provide consistent care over time.

Although a sizeable upfront commitment, a properly sited and maintained oak will only increase in stature, environmental benefits, and property value over its lengthy lifespan. For unmatched hardwood beauty and generational enjoyment, an oak tree represents one of the wisest living improvements you can make.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space is needed for an oak tree?

Oaks need ample root and canopy space. Allow a radius extending at least half the potential full height – so a 50-foot oak requires 25 feet clear spacing. Preventing crowding and root competition provides longevity.

Can you estimate the age of an oak tree?

While not exact, arborists estimate oak age by trunk diameter – add girth in inches at breast height to site-specific growth factors. A 36-inch diameter oak averages around 90 to 120 years old. Counting rings from core samples also estimates age.

Where do oak trees grow best?

Oaks thrive in moderately moist but well-drained soil in full to partial sunlight. Enrich soil with compost, select suitable species for your planting zone, keep competition away from roots, and provide ample water during establishment for an ideal environment.