This section is to answer some common question about our field grown trees and to help you understand how to get the best results.

Q.  How does one get a bare-root tree home to their yard?

A.  There three ways a person can get their tree home.  The first is they can take it home in their own vehicle (a 1/2 ton or bigger pick-up without a canopy works great) or trailer.  We make sure the tree will ride safely in the vehicle before it leaves the nursery.  The other two ways is to choose either our delivery service or planting service.  To read about the cost of these services please follow these links for planting and delivery.  

Q.  Is okay to plant in the winter time?

A.  Yes, as long as the ground is not frozen you can plant bare-root trees.  We don't dig trees when it colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the roots from freezing.  We also dig the same day you want to pick up the tree or when we deliver or plant the tree so the roots don't dry out.  We want the tree to do well in your yard just as it did in our field.

Q.  How do I keep the roots from drying out when I pick it up?

A.  We take care of that problem by wrapping the roots in a plastic diaper with wet straw to keep the roots moist until you plant the tree.  Be sure to throw away the straw and plastic, it should not go into the hole with the tree.

Q.  Do I need to plant the tree the same day I pick it up from the nursery?

A.  Yes.  It works much better if the tree is planted the same day it is dug, that is why we dig trees on Saturdays and are willing to work with you to schedule a pick-up that fits our operating hours and your schedule.

Q.  Is bare-root tree planting easy to do?

A.  Yes, people can plant their own trees and be successful.  We give a planting and care guide at the time of tree pick-up and answer any questions you might have to make sure you have a successful tree planting experience.

Q.  Do you need to water the tree in?

A.  Yes.  This is vital to the trees success.  Watering the tree in allows the tree a good drink for the winter while eliminating the need to tamp the dirt and get rid of any air pockets that may appear while backfilling the dirt.  A good way to make sure you apply enough water is to begin watering the tree in after you have backfilled all the dirt in.  Place a hose into the hole and let the water come slowly to the top, essentially flooding the hole.

 Q.  What if the tree doesn't leaf out in the spring?

A.  This occurs maybe 2 out of 100 bare-root trees, if the tree did not make it you need get in touch with us before June 1 of that year so we can help you.  Example: if you bought the field-grown tree, December 23, 2004  and it didn't leaf out by May, get in touch with us by June 1, 2005.

Q.  Do you need to stake the tree?

A. Yes , you need to stake the tree for one year to allow the tree to establish itself in its new home.

Q. Why do we have to wait till October 1st?

A.  We don't open the field until October 1st so that you can have a pleasant shopping experience in the field.  The weather is cooler for walking, most of the tractor work is done, we can get our pruning and tree care done and  we are not running water all the time (that way it's not muddy). This also gives us time to catalogue the trees, update information and put out signs that allow you to find the trees. Also you can enjoy the show of fall color.

Q. Why can you only dig December to March?

A. To dig bare-root trees and be successful the trees must be dormant.  The buds have hardened and the tree has lost its leaves.  If the trees were dug while actively growing they would go into transplant shock and most likely suffer.  We have found it works much better for the human and the plant to dig when the weather is cooler and the tree is dormant.

Q. Do I have to water the tree over the winter?

A. Sometimes, first do a  thorough soaking at the time of planting. Then check it about once a month by digging down 12 inches to make sure the soil is not dry. It should lightly clump in you hand and be damp.  If we get a lot of moisture then with deciduous trees you generally don't need to worry about it. If we have a dry windy winter, then yes check and water the tree.  Evergreens need to be watered once a month in the winter.