How Much Does a Birch Tree Cost?
The birch tree is closely related to the breech and oak tree. It is part of the Betulaceae family, which also includes hazels and alders, and they are considered to be small to medium-sized trees, thriving in temperate climates. Two of the most common species found in yards across the Northeast include the River Birch and White Birch.
How much does a birch tree cost?
On average, a birch tree can range anywhere from $5 to as much as $200. This is going to depend on the size of the tree, the quality and where it’s purchased from. A tree that is smaller than four feet tall, for instance, will be less than $10 while a tree taller than nine feet will cost more than $85 per tree.
Lowe’s, for instance, sells a 12-foot clump river birch tree for close to $60.
The Willis Orchard, on its website, lists the prices they charge. A one to two-foot river birch tree will retail for about $7, while a larger tree, seven to eight feet tall, can cost $80, minus the shipping charges.
| Variety | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Crimson Frost | - $75 for 2-gallon - $125 for 15-gallon |
| European White / Silver | - $15 for 3.25-gallon - $125 for 28.5-gallon |
| Gray | - $7 (three feet) - $9 (four feet) |
| Heritage Birch | - $75 (four feet) |
| Jacquemonti / Whitebarked Himalayan | - $85 for 10.25-gallon |
| Paper / White / Canoe | - $3 (12 inch) - $7 (three feet) - $11 (five feet) |
| River Birch | - $55 (three feet) - $80 (five feet) |
| Sweet / Cherry / Black | - $30 (three feet) |
| Whitespire | - $30 (three feet) |
| Yellow Birch | - $12 (one foot) |
| Young's Weeping / European White Weeping | - $50 for 8.75-gallon |
Birch tree overview
Small to medium in size, these trees can grow up to 70 feet in length, with the leaves turning yellow in the fall. With a wide range of sizes and forms, some may resemble a smaller shrub while others can be a much larger tree, providing shade for an area. According to The Tree Center, there’s a birch tree variety that can grow fast or can quickly dominate a landscape.
The most common birch trees you will find at local nurseries will include the river birch, dura heat river birch, heritage river birch and white paper birch. The river birch is best suited for hotter climates and is famous for its peeling bark that looks great year around. The dura heat river birch is a popular ornamental tree that will be denser and greener in color. Hardy for most zones, it’s fast growing, wind/ice resistant and creates beautiful butter-yellow leaves in the fall. The heritage river birch grows more than two feet per year and is easy to grow in virtually any environment. This birch tree can adapt to all soils, and when fully grown, it can provide quite a bit of shade. Lastly, the white paper birch is one of the tallest varieties, growing up to 70 feet tall in some occasion. Known for its peeling white bark and bright yellow flowers in the spring, this variety can also provide quite a bit of shade once fully grown.
What are the extra costs?
Shipping fees may apply if purchased at a nursery or online.
If you hire a professional to plant the tree for you, this will cost extra, and the costs will depend on the size of the tree. The average professional planting, however, should be in the $50 to $100 range.
Tips to know:
Due to the shallow root system of a birch tree, it should be noted that this tree is very sensitive to heat and droughts. It needs to consistently be kept moist and kept in cooler soil. When planting, make sure the roots will be protected in the shade during the peak afternoon hours.
Birch trees need specific conditions to grow properly. The trees should be planted in soil that has enough nutrients to accommodate the growth. Make sure you apply organic fertilizers that can boost the growth of the trees as these trees often grow best in acidic and alkaline soils.
Avoid planting these trees underneath overhead wires.
These trees are susceptible to borers and other insects. It is recommended that an insect control program is used.
Lower hanging branches that interfere with a sidewalk or driveway should be pruned. Also, if the branches are dead or have some sort of disease, these branches should be pruned as well.
How can I save money?
It does not hurt to look for coupons during the planting seasons to see if there are any deals that you can take advantage of.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.
Average Reported Cost: $0
