Frequently Asked Questions
How will my plants ship? All of our bareroot plants can ship to your front door via UPS/FedEx.
When will my plants ship? Most orders process, ship and deliver in 2-5 business days. Most orders typically ship on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and deliver by Friday of the same week. You may also specify a delayed ship date if you are not ready to plant at the time of your order. See chart below for recommended planting dates.
Can I pick up my plants at the nursery? Yes. Customer pick up is always welcome. This avoids all shipping and handling charges. Please call in advance to schedule.
Do I need water at planting? All stock needs to be watered heavily at planting time to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Do I need to mulch? Yes. This is extremely important in getting your plants off to a fast start. For best results, mulch rows of plants 4 ft. wide and 2-3 inches deep. For single shade trees, mulch 5 ft. diameter area. Expect only half the growth rate, at best, if you do not follow these guidelines. See comparison picture below.
What about fall planting? Trees and shrubs planted in the fall have possible growth rates 10-30% greater than spring plantings. However, not all trees and shrubs can be planted in the fall. Please consult chart below for limitations.
Are my plants guaranteed? Yes. All terms, conditions and guarantee information is listed on our price list and order form.
What is a bareroot plant? These plants are dug from the nursery when they are dormant and most of the soil is removed from the roots. Our sandy nursery soil develops a very fibrous root system for a healthy start. Plants are stored in our temperature-controlled cooler until they are shipped. Extreme care is taken to keep roots moist at all times from the field to your door. Special moist packing material for all plants is the secret. Keep your trees in this material until planted.
What size hole should I dig? • 3 ft. Bareroot – dig 12-18 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep • 4-8 ft. Bareroot – dig 12-24 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep.
Special Planting Notes
♦ Plant only plants that are hardy in your zone. Click here for zone map.
♦ See zone rating on each plant
♦ Our plant warranty will be void if you plant trees or shrubs not hardy for your zone based on the zone map in this catalog
♦ Remove all bags and before planting.
♦ In heavy clay, compacted or wet sites, plant all evergreen trees 2-3 inches above existing soil grade. For wet sites mound soil 12 inches and plant in the center of the mound.
Skyrise trees – same size – planted at same time
(see the difference in growth)
Both Pictures taken 12 weeks after planting 6 ft. bareroot Skyrise shade Trees
Mulching is an extremely important part of getting your plants off to a fast start. For best results mulch rows of plants 4 ft wide and 2-3 inches deep--mulch single shade trees a 5 ft diameter area. Expect only half the growth rate at best if you do not follow these guidelines.