A mature shrub is generally defined as a plant that has reached a significant size, often having been grown in a nursery for several years, and possesses an established, dense root ball ready for immediate landscape placement. The primary appeal of these larger specimens is the instantaneous visual impact they provide, eliminating the wait time associated with planting smaller stock. Because of the time, labor, and resources invested in their growth, mature shrubs represent a considerable financial investment compared to younger plants. Successfully integrating these larger plants requires careful consideration of where to purchase them and a thorough evaluation of their overall condition.
Primary Sources for Mature Shrub Acquisition
Local, independent nurseries often serve as the first stop for high-quality mature shrubs, offering a selection adapted to the regional climate and soil conditions. The staff typically possesses specialized horticultural expertise, providing localized advice on proper planting techniques and long-term care. These operations often specialize in handling Ball-and-Burlap (B&B) stock, ensuring the root system remains intact during transfer.
Specialized growers and wholesale yards represent another option, particularly when seeking specimen-grade plants cultivated over many years. These facilities maintain the largest inventory of exceptionally large or rare cultivars. They usually require a connection with a licensed landscape professional to facilitate a purchase, but buying directly provides access to a broader selection of sizes and forms than a retail outlet.
Online and mail-order retailers present a convenient alternative, especially for those seeking unusual or hard-to-find shrub varieties without geographic limitations. However, shipping large, heavy mature plants introduces substantial logistical risks. The inability to physically inspect the root system prior to arrival and the potential for shipping shock or damage must be weighed against the convenience of home delivery.
Big box stores may carry some mature stock, but their selection is limited to common, fast-growing varieties, usually sold in large plastic containers rather than B&B material. While these stores offer competitive pricing, the plants may have received less specialized care, and the availability of expert advice is often limited. When purchasing from a high-volume retailer, the buyer must be prepared to conduct a rigorous inspection of the plant’s health independently.
Assessing the Health and Quality Before Purchase
Thorough inspection of the plant’s health is fundamental to protecting the investment in a mature shrub, starting with a detailed examination of the root system. For containerized stock, check for circling or girdling roots, where roots wrap tightly around the perimeter of the pot, which can eventually choke the plant and impede water uptake. The root flare, the point where the trunk widens as it meets the soil, should be visible just above the soil line, indicating the shrub has not been planted too deeply.
If the plant is B&B, the integrity of the soil ball is paramount to successful establishment. The burlap should feel firm, and the ball should not easily crumble when gently probed, indicating that fine feeder roots are securely held within the soil mass. A loose or broken root ball suggests damage to the smaller roots responsible for absorbing water and nutrients, which compromises the plant’s ability to survive transplanting.
Attention should turn to the foliage and the overall structure of the branches, looking for signs of distress or pest infestation. Discoloration, spots, or premature leaf drop can indicate established fungal or bacterial diseases. Inspecting the undersides of leaves and branch junction points can reveal small, hidden pests like scale or mites that thrive in dense foliage.
The branch structure should be well-spaced and proportionate to the overall size of the shrub, avoiding crowded or crossing limbs that rub together and create open wounds. For shrubs meant to have a single, upright form, checking for a strong central leader ensures future structural stability and symmetrical growth. Signs of mechanical damage, such as broken branches or bark abrasions, should prompt caution as these injuries provide entry points for pathogens.
A close look at the trunk and the base of the shrub can reveal issues that affect long-term viability. Cracks or deep wounds in the bark suggest prior injury that may have compromised the vascular system responsible for transporting water and sugars. Observing the base for signs of improper pruning, such as large, unhealed cuts near the main trunk, indicates potential structural weakness and poor maintenance practices.
Understanding the Total Cost and Installation Logistics
The price of a mature shrub is influenced by factors beyond its size, primarily reflecting the time and labor required to grow it to maturity. Plants sold as B&B material, which requires specialized digging and handling equipment, command a premium over container-grown stock due to the intensive field cultivation process. This higher initial cost results from years of nursery investment in pruning, irrigation, and pest management necessary to produce a high-quality specimen.
Transportation represents a substantial logistical cost that must be factored into the total purchase price, especially for very large B&B specimens that weigh hundreds or thousands of pounds. Specialized equipment, such as flatbed trucks and hydraulic lifts, is often necessary to move these heavy plants, leading to high delivery and handling fees. Attempting to move a plant that is too large for the vehicle can result in damage to the root ball, nullifying the investment.
Installation of mature shrubs often requires professional assistance and machinery, such as a skid steer or small crane, due to the size and weight of the root ball. Preparing the planting site is equally important, requiring a hole two to three times the width of the root ball to allow for root expansion into the native soil. The physical effort and equipment required for proper planting underscore that the sticker price is only one component of the total cost.