Tree Transplanting Costs: Everything You Need to Know [2026 Data]

The average tree transplanting cost is $800, with prices typically ranging between $300 and $1,000. Depending on factors like the tree's size and age, the site’s accessibility, and the location, costs can range anywhere from $200 to $10,000.

Moving a Tree Cost Factors

Because of the many variables involved, tree moving service pricing is usually done on a case-by-case basis by professionals. However, we’ve broken down some of the major factors that can help you evaluate if moving a tree is a worthwhile endeavor.

Size

Size is a key determining factor in the price to transplant a tree, with a small 5- to 10-foot ornamental tree costing around $300 to $500 to move to another position within the same yard. Big trees with a diameter of over 10 inches usually need to be dug out by hand, which commands a premium price of around $1,500 to $3,500, even if the pros are moving it within the same yard, and $5,000 or more to move it to a site that’s miles away.

“Mega-trees” with a trunk diameter of over 24 inches are significantly more costly, with prices ranging between $3,500 to $10,000 or more. These often call for unconventional techniques and equipment. Pros may need to lift large trees over houses using a crane or customized frames to support large, delicate root balls during transport. When these trees need to go a far distance after excavation from a difficult-to-access site, costs often exceed $50,000.

Distance of Move

The bigger the tree and the further the distance it has to travel, the higher the costs. Moving a small tree from one area in your yard to another cost less than moving it over 50 or 100 miles across the state. From around $300 for the simple move by hand, it suddenly shoots up to $1,500 or more to transport it safely across the distance.

Equipment

Professional arborists often dig out small trees by hand and use a hydraulic tree spade for larger specimens. Bringing this onsite equipment increases the price by at least $500 to $1,000. If they also need a truck to transport the tree (after tarping and tying it), it adds extra expense. Removing a larger tree with a spade to an offsite location by truck often costs $10,000 or more.

Old and New Location Prep

If the original location or the tree’s new home requires prep of any kind, that increases the overall service cost. Factors that may increase the price include hilly land at either site, overgrown grass, or land that is simply messy and unprepared for the work. Expect to pay an additional hourly rate adding up to one to 10 hours, depending on the issue and its severity. Prepping the new site yourself is a way to bring costs down.

Cleanup 

Transplanting trees is not the tidiest work. Soil, debris, and tree-related waste end up everywhere when moving a large plant, and cleanup must occur at both ends of the move. For instance, pros plug up the hole at the tree’s original home before moving on to the final destination. 

Once replanted, there is plenty of work left to do, such as cleaning up the yard, packing in the soil, and conducting thorough inspections of the tree to make sure it is acclimating properly. Generally speaking, pros handle all of these tasks, but you can help cut costs by getting your hands dirty before or after they arrive. 

Accessibility

Arborists look for potential hurdles to overcome in the environment when tree transplanting. 

Some stumbling blocks that may increase their rate include:

• Obstructions in the original or new site, such as power lines, underground utilities, and large rocks

• Having to trim back branches

• Difficult site access

Conditions

Pros usually charge more if ground conditions are less than ideal. They’ll be looking for dry, easy-to-dig soil on a level site. Clay soils are hard to dig, and if the soil is frozen or wet and muddy, this makes things challenging too.

Ongoing Costs

Once trees are transplanted successfully, consider investing in these ongoing costs to keep them healthy and thriving.

Follow-Up Support and Aftercare

Follow-up visits $100 to $350 per visit. The right aftercare, especially in the first year or two, helps ensure your tree establishes itself properly in the new location and continues to thrive. Services may include watering, root fertilization, and physical support. 

Tree Trimming and Pruning Costs 

The cost of professional tree trimming is usually between $270 and $1,800 per visit, depending on factors like the size and number of trees. Regular pruning enhances a tree’s health and appearance and also helps prevent costly damage to property by removing weak or dead branches.

Why You Should Hire a Pro to Transplant a Tree

You can save money by transplanting a tree yourself, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Moving trees requires specialized equipment, and it also comes with risks, such as severe injury, if things go wrong. Hire an arborist or professional tree removal service to ensure the job gets done safely and efficiently. 

Here's why it’s ideal to hire a tree removal pro

While it's possible to DIY tree removal, hiring a pro is the best option for these reasons:

• Professionals have the right equipment, such as hydraulic tree spades, and the knowledge to use it effectively to complete the job.

• Navigating around utilities can be challenging and pose a safety concern, which pros are equipped to handle.

• Big, mature trees are more likely to survive when moved by a professional.

• Experts know the best time of year to move different species of trees. They can also tailor their approach to the tree’s age, type, and current health.

• Pros can provide you with advice on appropriate and required aftercare.

• Pros are licensed and insured, and they’ll handle necessary permits. 

If you want to DIY a tree transplant

While it’s best to hire a pro for this project, you might be able to DIY in the following situations: 

• The trunk is 2 inches in diameter or less, and the root ball is small enough to manage with hand tools.

• The tree is dormant, which lowers the risk of transplant shock.

• It shows no signs of stress or disease. 

• The location is clear of utilities, and you have a clear access path.

• You have the ability to lift the intact root ball without breaking it.

Cost of Common Add-Ons

Bundling services when you’re transplanting trees can help you save time and money. Consider these add-ons when booking your service:

• Cost to plant a tree: $150–$2,000

• Cost to remove a tree: $200–$2,000

• Tree inspection cost: $150–$550

• Tree injections to combat pests and disease: $50–$130

• Stump removal cost: $180–$560

• Leaf removal cost: $190–$590 

Ways You Can Save Money on Your Tree Transplanting Cost

Consider implementing these cost-saving measures during the tree transplant process.

• Opt for smaller trees: Smaller trees are easier and less expensive to transplant since they require less labor, equipment, and resources.

• DIY small transplants: If the tree is small and manageable, consider doing the transplant yourself to save on labor fees.

• Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from different tree transplanting services to ensure you're getting the best deal.

• Bundle services: If you need additional landscaping work, bundling services like tree pruning or stump removal with transplanting can lower the overall cost.

• Prepare the site: Clearing the area where the tree will be transplanted beforehand can save time and reduce labor costs.

• Use local services: Hiring local tree transplanting companies can cut down on travel fees, especially for larger trees that require special equipment.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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