Why are our trees so expensive? Really they aren't. But here
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While the average tree costs far less, a price of $1,500 is possible for certain types of trees due to the factors below. This price point is especially likely for trees that are larger, more mature, or produce rare or specialized fruit, or slow growing ornamentals.
Rare or multi-grafted trees
- Unique varieties: Certain heirloom or hard-to-find varieties command a premium price. Online auctions have shown some rare fig varieties selling for over $1,500.
- "Tree of 40 Fruit": An artistic and horticultural project called the "Tree of 40 Fruit" involves grafting 40 different types of stone fruits onto a single tree. Each tree is a 10-year project created by artist Sam Van Aken and can cost $28,000. While $1,500 isn't the final cost, it shows how specialized grafting work contributes to a high price.
- Multi-budded trees: A more common type of multi-grafted tree can have a few varieties grafted to one rootstock. A 15-gallon multi-grafted tree can cost $110, while a larger 24-inch box can run $260.
Established or mature trees
- Instant gratification: A nursery may charge a premium for a large, established tree that is already fruit-bearing. These trees take years of labor, pruning, and care to cultivate.
- Increased land value: Well-established, productive fruit trees can increase the value of a property. One estimate from a homeowner suggests that an established, fruit-bearing tree can increase land value by $1,000.
- Reviving neglected trees: Neglected fruit trees that have been brought back to health can also be valuable. An established tree is often more desirable than starting over with a young tree, especially for certain species like peach and plum.
Labor and production costs
- Long-term cultivation: The grower absorbs the years of labor required to get the tree to a large size. The cost covers the initial grafting, potting, fertilizing, and pruning over a number of years.
- Shipping and handling: Transporting a large, mature tree is more complex and expensive than shipping a small, bare-root sapling. It requires specialized equipment and handling to protect the tree during transport.
- General inflation: The agricultural and farming industries have experienced significant price increases for oil, gas, fertilizer, and labor costs. These inflationary pressures have been passed on to consumers.
Exotic or hard-to-grow varieties
- Exotic fruit trees: Exotic varieties like Durian, which is known for its strong aroma, are highly prized and can cost thousands of dollars per fruit. A tree that can reliably produce such expensive fruit could be valued highly.
- Difficulty propagating: Some fruit tree varieties, like the Honeycrisp apple, are notoriously difficult to propagate. The time and skill required to produce them contribute to a higher price
