That's definitely a horrible company. I've only had 1 or 2 bad experiences in the past, but the companies made it right. I remember I had just a concern about one of the trees I received from SongSparrow about root rot. I told them that I didn't need a replacement and I was going to plant it to see if it'll be ok, but just wanted them to note it just incase something happened. Then if something happened they could send a replacement. They said they wouldn't do that, but for me to plant the tree I had a concern with just incase it pulls through and in the meantime they would ship me a free replacement. That's good customer service and is why I'm a returning customer.

Requesting the tree back is bad practice.

As I mentioned in the tree forum topic, Aaron's Farm is a pseudonym for TyTy! People like texjagman know better than to shop at TyTy, that's why they have so many names...

And don't forget to leave another nasty review on garden watchdog! They (TyTy) are truly criminals I tell ya.

John

texjagman,

Did you pay with a credit card?

If so, call them and contest the bill.

If they are predominantly mail order you can expect a full refund.

Dave

I never order from a new nursery without checking the Garden Watchdog, it is an invaluable resource. Sorry you got bitten.

Agree with all of the above, but you should know that even when Sourwood is dug to AAN specifications (ball size to size caliper etc.) it is a difficult tree to transplant. That company should know better than to try and mail box a tree like that. They deserve all of the bad reps.

As for the money, I'm just going to blow it off. At my age it isn't worth the effort to go through a long fight unless it's a lot of money. People are always asking about sources here so I mainly wanted to rasie the awareness flag.

baxz5oh, it's an old native tree of the east coast. I had no idea it was such a tricky tree to grow and transplant. So you think this may be a bad choice to try and sucessfully order from anywhere?

Mark

Ricksample, you're right on with them requesting the tree back is bad practice.
Good review on SongSparrow!
Mike

Mark: It is a good tree, just difficult to transplant. Nurseries that field grow these are very particular as to when they dig these. They do not fit the dormancy template of other deciduous trees.

After hearing my whines, my primary local nursery has agreed to bring in one for me this fall. But the last comment from baxz5oh concerns me.

When you say doesn't fit the normal template, when is it recommended to actually dig this tree?

mark

texjagman, if you really want this tree, do not get a bnb! This should be container grown (in a rootmaker pot preferably!). You might even start a few from seed and go the old fashioned way if you get really desperate.

John

Edit: This coming from someone who successfully transplanted a 20' bnb shagbark hickory! Sourwood is not meant for bnb treatment for us. In its native range, they might have some success this way but not here. Have I stressed my opinion enough? Good luck to you which ever way you decide to proceed =)

This post was edited by j0nd03 on Fri, Jun 28, 13 at 11:20

I have two and have found them to be very fussy when it comes to transplanting. Both barely made it. One has barely grown in 15 years. The other sulked for a few years and then grew fast to 25 ft., (8 meters) only to break off at the butt in an ice storm. Even here in the Pacific Northwest, they aren't found in most nurseries.
Perhaps a Parrotia might fit your garden better. A tough tree with nice Fall color.
Good luck on your new Sourwood.
Mike

I had two Oxydendrum and finally gave up on them as here they were really out of their element. I think that my neutral soil was the main problem. From what I can tell they really, really do not want neutral or alkaline pH, hence the name.

Sara