Tree planting: smaller trees
Trees shorter than an average adult when planted
Supplying and planting young trees and shrubs, the right species in the right spot.
What it is
A good planting service helps you pick a species that suits the space and soil, plants it at the right depth (a common and costly mistake is planting too deep), and mulches and waters it in. Many include a one-year replacement warranty.
Smaller trees are cheaper, easier to plant, and often establish faster than big ones.
Signs you might need it
- Replacing a tree you removed (your city may require it with a removal permit)
- Adding shade to the south or west side of the house
- Filling a bare yard or creating a privacy screen
Good to know
Larger trees cost much more to buy and plant. Check whether your city offers free or subsidized trees before paying full price.
Typical cost in Ontario
Before HST. Price depends mostly on species and pot size. Labour alone to plant a tree you already have is often about $200.
What pushes the price up or down
- Species and pot size
- Whether the tree is supplied or you're paying for labour only
- Delivery distance and how many trees are planted in one visit
- Soil conditions (clay, rubble, sod removal)
- Mulch, staking and a warranty
Ways to spend less
- Ask your city about free trees: Toronto, Ottawa and others offer free backyard or front-yard trees
- Use a subsidized program such as LEAF (about $160–$230 plus HST per tree, full service, in Toronto and some GTA towns)
- Plant several trees in one visit so the delivery cost is shared
Several Ontario sources agree; LEAF and city programs publish their prices. Prices are typical ranges gathered from published Ontario price guides and company price pages in September 2026, before 13% HST. They’re a guide, not a quote: your price depends on your tree and your property. Get two or three written quotes, and check whether your city charges a permit fee.
Find a company for this work
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Related specializations
Sources for the prices on this page
- Supports for Tree Planting on Private Property – City of Toronto (Toronto, ON)
- Full Service Backyard Tree Planting – LEAF (GTA / southern ON)
- Tree Service Prices in Toronto & GTA – Local Arborist (Toronto, ON)
- How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Ontario? – Absolute Home Services (Ontario)
- Price for Planting Services in Toronto and GTA – 2026 (Sprinkler Company) (Toronto, ON)
- Tree Services Cost in Ontario – RealCraft (Ontario)
- Planting a tree? Why not consider free ones through the City of Ottawa – Old Ottawa South Community Association (Ottawa, ON)