Tree planting: larger trees
Trees taller than an average adult when planted
Planting bigger nursery stock, often balled-and-burlapped trees that need equipment to move.
What it is
Larger trees come with a heavy root ball that can weigh hundreds of kilograms, so planting often needs a machine or a tree spade. You get an instant, bigger tree, but it can take longer to recover from transplanting than a smaller one.
Good planters check for underground utilities first (a free Ontario One Call locate), dig a wide hole, set the tree at the right depth and stake it only if needed.
Signs you might need it
- You want a bigger tree right away, for privacy or shade
- Replacing a large tree that was removed
- Your city's permit requires replacement trees of a minimum size
Good to know
A smaller tree costs far less and often catches up in size within a few years. Big trees need more watering in their first two summers.
Typical cost in Ontario
Before HST. Very large trees moved with a tree spade can cost $2,000–$3,000 or more. Few Ontario nurseries publish installed prices, so treat this as a rough guide.
What pushes the price up or down
- Trunk thickness (caliper) and root-ball size
- Species: oaks, maples and specimen evergreens cost more
- Whether a machine or tree spade is needed, and whether it can reach the spot
- Delivery distance
- Soil preparation, warranty, staking and watering bags
Ways to spend less
- Consider a slightly smaller tree; it costs much less and often establishes faster
- Ask your city about free boulevard trees if the spot is on the city strip
- Plant several trees in one delivery
Based on a mix of Ontario guides and out-of-province nursery prices. Prices are typical ranges gathered from published Ontario price guides and company price pages in September 2026, before 13% HST. They’re a guide, not a quote: your price depends on your tree and your property. Get two or three written quotes, and check whether your city charges a permit fee.
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Related specializations
Sources for the prices on this page
- How Much Does Planting Services Cost in Toronto? – Sprinkler Company (Toronto, ON)
- Tree Services Cost in Ontario – RealCraft (Ontario)
- Installation & Delivery Prices – Sunstar Nurseries (Edmonton, AB)
- Pricing – Any Tree Ranch (Medicine Hat, AB)
- Prices – Trees on Wheels (US prices, in US dollars)
- Cost to Plant a Tree – HomeGuide (US prices, in US dollars)