How much does a 20 ft tree cost in Green Bay?

In Green Bay, WI, installing a 20-foot tree is a major landscaping project, not a simple purchase. While the tree itself might cost between $800 and $1,500, the total project cost typically exceeds $4,000 once specialized delivery, heavy equipment, site preparation, and a professional tree company’s labor are factored in.

The vision is compelling: instant shade for your patio, a mature windbreak against the winds coming off the bay, or an immediate privacy screen for your yard in a neighborhood like Ashwaubenon. The allure of planting a large, 20-foot tree is the ability to bypass a decade of waiting for a sapling to grow. But when homeowners start looking for a price, they often ask a question that, while logical, misses the bigger picture: "How much does a 20 ft tree cost?"

At Hardy Wood Products, with our years of experience in complex tree services and wood projects across Northeast Wisconsin, we've learned that the most important service we can provide is clarity. The price of the tree itself is often the least significant part of the equation. The real cost lies in the logistics, expertise, and heavy machinery required to safely transport and successfully install a semi-mature specimen, ensuring it not only survives but thrives in Green Bay's unique climate and soil.

This article will break down the true, all-in cost, separating the price of the plant from the price of the project, so you can make a confident and informed decision for your property.

The sticker shock breakdown: Why the tree is just the beginning

When you buy a small tree from a garden center, you pay for the plant and maybe a small delivery fee. When you invest in a 20-foot tree, you are commissioning a complex logistical operation. The single biggest factor affecting the cost of a tree service project is the size of the tree, and a 20-foot specimen is firmly in the 'large' category. Let's break down the components of the final bill.

Tree Purchase Price

This is the cost of the tree itself, grown over many years at a local or regional tree farm. This price varies based on species (an Autumn Blaze Maple will have a different price than a Colorado Blue Spruce), its current health, and its caliper size (the diameter of the trunk). For a healthy, 20-foot tree, expect this portion to be roughly $800 to $1,500. This fee covers the plant itself, often dug and wrapped in a "ball and burlap" package, but nothing more.

Labor & Equipment Fees

This is the largest and most significant part of your investment. Planting a massive tree requires a skilled crew and specialized machinery. A typical professional tree service crew in the Green Bay area may bill between $200 and $500 per hour. This team includes a certified arborist to oversee the planting and ensure the tree's long-term health, as well as equipment operators. The machinery is the other major cost. Depending on site accessibility, this could involve a tree spade truck or, in many cases, a crane to lift the tree over fences, houses, or other obstacles. These equipment rental and operation fees can easily add $1,500 to $3,000+ to the project.

Total Project Cost

This is the all-inclusive figure that covers the tree, the skilled labor, heavy equipment, site preparation (including soil amendments vital for Brown County's clay-heavy ground), delivery, installation, initial fertilization, and cleanup. For a standard 20-foot tree installation in the Green Bay area, the final cost is typically in the range of $4,000 to $7,500. This comprehensive approach ensures the job is done safely and gives your substantial investment the best possible chance of survival.

The 1,000-pound reality: This isn't a DIY weekend project

It's easy to underestimate the sheer scale of a 20-foot tree. We're not talking about something you can bring home in the back of a pickup truck. The root ball alone, essential for the tree's survival, can weigh between 800 and 1,500 pounds. This massive weight is the primary reason why professional installation is not just recommended—it's a necessity.

Attempting to move and plant a tree of this magnitude without the proper equipment is dangerous. It poses a significant risk of personal injury, damage to your property (like sidewalks, driveways, or septic systems), and potential contact with overhead utility lines, which requires careful planning and utility line clearance. A professional tree planting service conducts a thorough site assessment to mitigate these risks before any work begins.

Beyond the physical logistics, there is the biological challenge of transplant shock. A tree this large has an extensive root system. When it's dug up, it loses a significant portion of those roots. A certified arborist understands how to minimize this stress through proper handling, precise planting depth, amending the local soil, and appropriate initial tree care services. Improper planting—too deep, too shallow, or in compacted soil—is a death sentence for an expensive mature tree. The expertise of professional landscapers is what ensures the tree can successfully establish itself in our USDA Hardiness Zone 5b climate and begin growing, rather than slowly declining.

A crucial distinction: The cost to plant vs. the cost to remove

Often, when people search for tree costs, their intent can be ambiguous. Are you looking to add a beautiful tree to your property in Howard, or are you needing to take down a hazardous one? The distinction is critical because the costs and complexities are vastly different. Surprisingly, installing a large tree with precision and care can cost significantly more than removing one of the same size.

Cost of tree removal in Green Bay

Tree removal is essentially a controlled demolition. The primary goals are safety and efficiency. While it requires immense skill, the crew does not have to worry about the long-term health of the tree. According to industry data, the cost to remove a small tree (under 30 feet) is typically between $150 and $450. This is a far cry from the multi-thousand-dollar installation cost. Even for larger projects, the average cost for professional tree removal is $750, with a range between $200 and $2,000. The cost rises with complexity, access issues, and risk. In fact, complex emergency tree removal services, which share logistical challenges with large installations, can cost up to $5,000.

Why installation costs more

Tree installation is a delicate, life-sustaining operation. The entire process is geared toward the future health and vitality of the tree. This requires:

• Greater Precision: The hole must be dug to the exact right depth and width. The tree must be oriented correctly.
• Soil Science: Native soil in areas around De Pere and greater Green Bay often needs to be amended with compost and other organic matter to improve drainage and aeration for the new root system.
• Specialized Handling: The root ball must be handled gently to prevent cracking, and the trunk must be protected from damage by straps and equipment.
• Post-Planting Care: This includes proper watering schedules, mulching, and sometimes staking to protect it from our region's strong winds. Many professional services offer a tree warranty, but only if they handle the entire installation process.

This focus on preservation and long-term success is why the cost to plant a tree is substantially higher than the cost of simple tree removal or basic tree trimming.

Key factors influencing your Green Bay tree project cost

While we've provided a general price range, every property in Green Bay is unique. Several local factors will influence your final tree service quote. A reputable company will assess these during an on-site consultation.

Site Accessibility

This is arguably the most significant variable. Can a large truck, like a tree spade, drive directly to the planting location? Or is your backyard fenced in, on a steep grade, or located on a tight lot common in older city neighborhoods? Poor access necessitates the use of a crane, which significantly increases labor and equipment costs.

Local Soil Conditions

Much of Brown County features heavy clay soil. While fertile, this soil can be poorly drained and heavily compacted, which is detrimental to new tree roots. Your project cost will include expenses for amending the soil with organic matter to create a healthier growing environment for your investment.

Tree Species and Caliper Size

The specific type of tree affects the price. Fast-growing trees like some Maple varieties may be less expensive than slow-growing ornamental trees or certain Evergreen trees. Caliper, or trunk diameter, is a direct measure of maturity; a thicker caliper means an older, more expensive tree with a heavier root ball.

Contractor's Credentials

You are not just buying a tree; you are hiring a team of experts. A quote from a fully licensed and insured company with certified arborists on staff will be higher than one from a general laborer. That extra cost covers the expertise to do the job safely, the insurance to protect your property, and the knowledge to ensure your tree thrives, adding to your property value for decades to come.

Answering your questions about large tree costs

Let's directly address some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Green Bay.

How much does a 20 foot tree cost?

The 20-foot tree itself typically costs between $800 and $1,500 from a nursery or tree farm. However, the total project cost to have it delivered and professionally installed in Green Bay is much higher, generally falling between $4,000 and $7,500 due to labor, heavy equipment, and site preparation fees.

How much does it cost to have a 20 foot tree cut down?

Having a 20-foot tree cut down is significantly cheaper than installing one. The cost for removal is generally in the $150 to $450 range, as it's a less precise, demolition-focused task. Additional services like stump grinding or wood chipping would be extra.

What is the average price for a tree?

There is no meaningful "average price" for a tree, as it's entirely dependent on size, species, and age. A small sapling from a garden center might be $50, while a mature, 50-foot specimen oak could be a project costing tens of thousands to transplant. The focus should be on the cost for the specific size and type you need.

Are large trees worth money?

Absolutely. A mature, healthy tree can significantly increase your property value—by as much as 15% according to some studies. It adds immense curb appeal, provides shade that can lower summer cooling costs, acts as a windbreak, and offers privacy. While the upfront cost is high, a well-placed, healthy large tree is a long-term investment in your property's value and enjoyment.

Making the right choice for your needs

The decision to install a large tree is a major one. The right choice depends entirely on your goals, budget, and timeline. Here is some tailored advice for different types of buyers.

For the Price-Shopping Homeowner

If your primary concern is the initial cost, a 20-foot tree installation project may not be the right fit. You may be focusing on the plant price without fully accounting for the massive scope of work required. A better alternative could be planting a smaller, more manageable 6-to-10-foot tree. It will be more affordable, potentially a DIY project, and while it will take longer to mature, it will still grow into a beautiful asset for your property over time.

For the Landscape Project Manager

You understand that this is a complex job with inherent risks. Your focus is on finding a reliable, qualified, and fully-insured contractor. You should be asking for proof of insurance, references for similar-sized projects, and details about the equipment they plan to use. You value a transparent quote that breaks down the cost of the tree, labor, and machinery. Your priority is a safe, efficient, and successful installation managed by a professional tree service.

For the Property Investor

You see the bigger picture. You are weighing the high upfront project cost against the long-term benefits of enhanced curb appeal, increased property value, and the immediate impact on the landscape. For you, the cost is an investment, not an expense. You understand that paying for a certified arborist and a professional crew is a form of insurance, protecting your investment and ensuring the tree adds maximum value to your property for years to come.

Ultimately, the best path forward depends on your specific circumstances and goals for your Green Bay property. The key is to understand the full scope and cost before you begin. At Hardy Wood Products, we believe in transparent pricing and clear communication, ensuring our clients feel confident and informed from the initial consultation to the final planting. For a detailed, on-site assessment and a transparent quote for your tree installation project, contact our team of experts today.

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