Privacy trees offer natural screening, help reduce noise pollution, and clearly define property boundaries. They are a popular choice for homeowners seeking to create a secluded outdoor environment. Acquiring the right trees depends on understanding the different ways they are sold and the variety of vendors available. This guide explores reliable sources and methods for acquiring high-quality privacy trees.
Understanding Tree Purchase Formats
The format in which a tree is grown and sold significantly impacts its price, size, and ease of planting.
The most common option is a containerized tree, grown entirely in a pot using a soilless medium. These trees are typically smaller, easy to transport and manage, and widely available across various retail settings.
Larger, more mature specimens are often sold as balled and burlapped (B&B) trees, where the root ball is dug from the ground and wrapped tightly in burlap. B&B trees offer immediate impact but are considerably heavier, frequently requiring specialized equipment or professional handling for installation.
A third format is the bare root tree, sold during its dormant season with no soil around the roots. Bare root stock is the least expensive and lightest option, commonly used for bulk purchases, although it requires careful handling and prompt planting to prevent the root hairs from drying out.
Local Retailers for Quick Acquisition
For immediate or smaller planting projects, local physical retailers provide convenient access to privacy trees. Independent local nurseries are a valuable resource, often stocking varieties adapted to the area’s climate and soil conditions. Staff at these locations typically possess expert horticultural knowledge and can offer detailed advice on planting techniques and long-term care, often backed by generous plant guarantees.
Big box stores and general garden centers offer unparalleled convenience and competitive pricing, particularly for smaller containerized stock. These retail outlets provide a quick option for purchasing a few trees, though the selection may be standardized and the staff might not possess specialized plant knowledge. Buyers should carefully inspect the stock at these locations, as limited attention to watering and care can sometimes lead to stressed plants.
Specialized and Direct Purchase Options
When undertaking large-scale screening projects, dedicated tree farms and wholesalers become the most economical source for purchasing in volume. These specialized operations often cultivate extensive fields of trees, providing access to very large B&B specimens that are unavailable at smaller retailers. Purchasing directly from the grower typically requires bulk orders or appointments, but it results in significant cost savings per unit for extensive privacy hedges.
Online mail-order retailers provide access to a wider selection of unique or regional varieties not found locally. These vendors are the primary source for bare root trees, shipping dormant stock directly to the customer during the appropriate planting season. When ordering online, factor in shipping costs, which can become substantial for larger containerized trees, and confirm the expected delivery timeline to match the local planting window.
Bare root trees must be unpacked and soaked immediately upon arrival to prevent desiccation before planting. These direct purchase methods allow access to specialized stock, but they place a greater responsibility on the buyer to coordinate the receiving and planting process effectively.
Ensuring Quality Before Purchase
Regardless of the source, a careful inspection of the plant’s health is necessary to ensure a successful long-term investment. Examine the foliage for signs of stress, such as discoloration, wilting, or evidence of insect damage or disease. A healthy tree should exhibit vigorous growth and a full canopy appropriate for its species and growth stage.
If purchasing a containerized tree, gently check the root system near the soil surface to ensure the roots are not circling tightly. Circling roots can lead to girdling later in the tree’s life, starving the tree of nutrients and water as the trunk expands. For B&B stock, the burlap wrapping should be intact and the root ball should feel firm, indicating proper handling and moisture retention.
The reliability of the vendor is just as important as the health of the tree itself, especially when making a significant financial commitment. Confirm the seller’s return policies and whether they offer a written warranty or guarantee, particularly for expensive B&B specimens. Checking local customer reviews or references provides assurance regarding the quality of their stock and customer service.