Planting a single tree sounds simple, yet anyone who has ever managed a remodel or new build knows that “simple” jobs can morph into budget-eating surprises. Homeowners in Los Angeles routinely ask our team at CountBricks, “What is the cost to plant a tree, and how do I keep it under control?” The short answer: expect anywhere from $400 to $2,500 per tree depending on size, species, access, and local regulations. The long answer—covered below—explains why that range exists and how CountBricks AI estimating keeps your project on track.
1. Tree Size and Species
• A 5-gallon sapling might run $50 – $150 installed
• A 36-inch box specimen can exceed $1,500 before labor
• Drought-tolerant or native species often cost less to maintain long-term
2. Site Accessibility
• Tight urban lots may need crane lifts or manual hauling
• Wide suburban yards allow skid-steer access, reducing labor hours
3. Soil Preparation and Amendment
• Compacted clay common in Southern California often requires deep augering
• Organic compost, mulch, and mycorrhizal additives add $30 – $120 per planting hole
4. Permits and City Requirements
• Los Angeles mandates permits for street trees and certain protected species
• Expect fees of $50 – $350 plus required inspections
5. Labor Rates
• Licensed arborist crews in L.A. average $95 – $135 per hour
• Weekend landscaping labor may cost less but can void warranties or city compliance
Using our real-time materials engine, CountBricks estimates the average mid-size residential planting (a 24-inch box California Live Oak) at:
• Tree cost: $620
• Delivery and equipment: $180
• Labor: $480
• Soil amendment and mulch: $95
• Permit & inspection: $110
Total Estimated Cost to Plant a Tree: $1,485
Every line item pulls from current supplier catalogs and verified union/non-union wage sheets inside CountBricks.com/services, so you never rely on outdated spreadsheets.
• Property value: Mature trees can raise resale value by up to 15 %
• Energy savings: Strategically placed shade trees lower HVAC bills
• Municipal incentives: Cities like Los Angeles offer rebates for canopy expansion
• Environmental impact: Each tree sequesters roughly 48 lbs of CO₂ annually once mature
1. Walk your yard with a smartphone and speak naturally—our AI notes locations, species preferences, and access constraints in seconds.
2. The conversation auto-generates a digital blueprint overlay identifying optimal planting zones.
Our database pulls wholesale nursery rates, equipment rental fees, and city permit costs the moment you ask, “What’s the price difference between a 15-gallon Jacaranda and a 24-inch box Magnolia?”
Generate branded proposals ready for HOA submission or lender review. Each quote includes line-by-line costs, schedule duration, and warranty terms—no manual editing required.
After approval, the same data flows into progressive invoices matched to milestone photos, simplifying payouts for you and accountability for the crew.
1. Define goals: Shade, privacy, curb appeal, or code compliance?
2. Open CountBricks.com/consultation to schedule a voice walk-through.
3. Select species from our curated climate-ready catalog.
4. Review the AI estimate and adjust quantities or sizes in real time.
5. Approve the digital quote; permits are auto-filed if needed.
6. Track installation progress and final costs through the CountBricks dashboard.
• Plant in fall or early winter for reduced watering demands
• Use 3 – 4 inches of mulch but keep it 2 inches from the trunk to prevent rot
• Stake only when necessary; remove stakes after the first growing season
• Schedule the first pruning 12 months after planting to establish structure
• Install drip irrigation on a separate zone to fine-tune watering
Planting a 5-gallon sapling yourself could drop the cost to $100-$200. However, larger trees need specialized equipment and knowledge to avoid root damage and city fines. CountBricks provides side-by-side DIY vs. pro cost comparisons inside every estimate.
Annual maintenance averages $75 per tree for pruning and fertilization. CountBricks schedules future services in our platform so you budget proactively.
Yes. Our system flags eligible city or utility rebates and applies them directly to your quote, lowering the upfront expense.
Accuracy: Live market pricing and AI-driven labor calculations remove guesswork.
Speed: A complete, compliant quote lands in your inbox in under 15 minutes.
Transparency: Every material, hour, and permit fee is clearly listed—no hidden lines.
Scalability: Whether planting one tree or redesigning an entire landscape, CountBricks scales with your project.
The cost to plant a tree shouldn’t be a mystery. With CountBricks, you gain a data-backed roadmap that protects your budget and boosts your property value. Start your voice estimate today at CountBricks.com/consultation and watch your landscape—and investment—grow.
Last spring, a Silver Lake homeowner approached CountBricks to install a trio of 24-inch box African Sumac trees for privacy along a new ADU. Previous landscaper bids varied wildly—$3,600 to $6,800—leaving the client uneasy. Here’s how CountBricks delivered clarity and savings.
1. During a 10-minute voice walk-through, our AI captured trunk caliper requirements, distance from power lines, and tight rear-lot access.
2. Live material pricing showed each Sumac at $540 with a weekend delivery surcharge of $90 total.
3. Crane rental was flagged as unnecessary after the AI overlaid equipment dimensions on the site photo, saving $750 instantly.
• Crew arrival and departure times synced with the homeowner’s CountBricks dashboard, triggering push notifications.
• Soil amendments were pre-packed based on our algorithm’s compaction reading, cutting on-site prep from 4 hours to 2.
• All three trees were planted, staked, and mulched by Sunday afternoon, enabling the family to host a backyard brunch the next day.
Total paid: $4,215—well below the highest competitive bid and within 2 % of the original AI estimate. The client later secured a $225 city rebate automatically processed through CountBricks, bringing the net cost to $3,990.
• Cluster orders with neighbors to share delivery and equipment fees
• Opt for native species to minimize long-term irrigation costs
• Schedule planting outside peak spring demand to leverage off-season nursery discounts
• Use CountBricks blueprint takeoffs to verify setback rules before digging, avoiding costly relocations
Ready for your own worry-free planting day? Visit CountBricks.com/portfolio to explore more residential success stories or book a free, voice-activated consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation. Accurate budgets, faster installs, healthier trees—CountBricks makes it all possible.
