Who to Hire to Plant Trees: A Complete Guide

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to hire to plant trees, consider a tree service company, a landscaper, or a certified arborist. Pros advise on species and placement for your yard and soil, handle delivery and planting, and ensure compliance with local tree laws.

For large trees or complex sites, hire a pro. DIY requires proper depth, careful root-ball handling, and planting away from utilities and foundations on your property.

Benefits of Hiring a Tree Service Company to Plant Trees

Hiring a local tree planting service is the safest, most efficient choice for most projects. These pros bring experience, specialized equipment, and the ability to handle both small and large trees. They advise on tree type and placement, and ensure the work complies with local tree laws.

Here are some of the top benefits of working with a pro:

• Professional assessment of yard features and soil for species and placement

• Proper tools and equipment for safe planting

• Handles the delivery and heavy lifting of trees

• Reduces risks from improper depth or root ball mishandling

• Ensures compliance with local tree laws

• Sets up staking, watering berms, and mulch correctly

• Scales to multi‑tree projects efficiently

• Improves the likelihood of healthy establishment

If your project involves planting large trees, multiple species, or you want expert advice on placement and care, consider hiring a landscaper near you to ensure the job is done efficiently and in compliance with local regulations.

Can I Hire an Arborist to Plant My Trees?

An arborist is a highly skilled professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certified arborists handle planting, pruning, removing, transplanting, and treating tree health issues. 

Their advanced training makes them ideal for complex, large, or sensitive plantings, as well as for diagnosing health concerns during installation. That added expertise costs $50 to $150 per hour and accounts for close to 30% of the project cost. 

For straightforward plantings, a tree service is often sufficient.

How Do Professionals Plant Trees?

Pros use a safe, methodical sequence to support healthy rooting and long‑term growth:

1. Clear the area

2. Dig a hole

3. Place the tree in the planted hole

4. Turn the tree, centering it in the best position

5. Massage and backfill around the root ball

6. Create a watering berm

7. Remove the nursery stake

8. Install wooden stakes

9. Secure the rubber ties

10. Water the tree

11. Mulch the planted area

How Much Does Tree Planting Cost?

The average cost to plant a tree is $300, with a range of $30 to $10,000 based on size, type, and location. Small saplings start at $100, with trees under 10 feet tall averaging $255. 

Hiring an arborist runs $75 to $200 per hour and accounts for about 30% of the project cost. Planting many trees at once can lower per‑tree pricing, and choosing native or common species can help manage your budget.