Buying trees online versus in the local garden centre
I would like to plant an apple tree, a Victoria plum and three silver birch trees this weekend.
I’ve never ordered trees online, but I like the fact I can get exactly what I want and I know it will be available without driving around. But on the downside I guess they could send me a weak tree, or it could be damaged in delivery.
What do you think? Would you buy online or at a garden centre.
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You might find what you want in a GC, but a specialist tree nursery will be able to advise you on your choice and on how to care for the trees.
Blackmoor have trees at half price right now if that helps!?
I've done both. The local garden centre is family owned and run and the plants are always well looked after. They stock varieites that are suitable to this area. However, their selection is small, both in terms of variety and rootstock.
There are specialist growers who can provide you with a far larger range of varieites and rootstocks. They can even make them to order if you have the time to wait. They don't necessarily sell plants that are suitable for yiur climate, so you must use your commonsense or ask them for advice on that. I can recommend Deacon's, Keepers, Orange Pippin and Bernwode for fruit trees. All have supplied me with very good plants.
Getting a bit late in the year now though. Most trees will be in bud and coming into leaf. More danger of them being damaged in transit, even if you take them home yourself. Can you wait until the autumn?
If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
A bit late. yes I know.
I had always planned to get the trees ordered and in the ground by end of Feb or early March, but time ran ahead of me and now I realize it’s a bit late.
I’m hoping that if I buy pot-grown rather than bare root then it isn’t too late for this year? I’d like to get a year’s growth in rather than wait for autumn.
Ask the advice of a reputable online site dominoman ....... pansyface has recommended some good ones
Those Blackmore trees, link posted by Clarington above, are a really good buy. Get your order in now if you want one or two or three...... Once planted water, water, water and you will probably get away with it. Bare rooted it's still OK but only just. Otherwise it will have to be pot grown until the late autumn/winter.
I checked with orangepippintrees and they said too late for bare root trees where I am (South London). But pot grown would be fine.
I have some good local nurseries but to get them in on Saturday I need to order online now, or wait and go in person on Saturday (but as I only have a tiny car I think delivered ones may be better anyway)
Reads Nursery is excellent and they stock pot-grown trees as far as I recall.