Comments regarding Ison's Nursery & Vineyard

This was my first time ordering from Ison’s. My new house needs some fruit trees and Ison’s had the best pricing for LARGE apple trees. I ordered 4 “Instant Orchard” apple trees, a combo cherry, a pear tree, some Honeyberries, a currant and a gooseberry.

All of the plants arrived today in one gigantic box via UPS.

I am beyond happy with the size of the trees, the prices I paid, and the obvious quality of what I received compared to what is available locally. These are not the pencil thin sticks I see everywhere. These are complete apple trees with 2” thick trunks, intact root systems, and good branching. They were packaged very well and suffered no damage from transit. Not one broken branch.

The cherry and pear trees are also surprisingly big. The honeyberries, gooseberry, and currant are larger than any I can find for sale around here.

I’m thrilled that ordering good quality trees online was this easy. Thanks Ison’s! I will be ordering again later this year so I can complete my “Instant Orchard” next spring and enjoy fresh fruit for many years to come. A+

I saw the reviews for this company after I had placed my orders and I was pretty concerned. But I didn't have any negative experience with them - although I would not order combo trees again.

Everything I ordered arrived on schedule. They notified me of shipment and I could track them. I haven't ordered live plants via mail shipments until this year so I can't compare well - but I have other orders - different company - that didn't give me any tracking. Isons was the only nursery with many of the plants I was searching for when I placed the orders. They were some of the cheapest prices I found online too - although one plant I found substantially cheaper locally now.

Two shipments arrived right after Texas entered a warm spell which was perfect. All the plants arrived in great shape and many of them were much larger than I expected. Some of the trees are taller than I am. There are buds everywhere. It's easy to overlook my next paragraph because the plants are so nice.

The only item I would improve upon is that I ordered 3 combo trees and I have no idea what varieties are grafted on the trees. Isons had the cheapest combo trees I saw on any site I could find. But you don't get to request any specific varieties. You sort of get what you get out of the possible varieties on each ad - usually out of about 8. I was good with that - it was like playing the lottery, but I do want to know WHAT varieties I have now. It's very possible I have grafts that won't even produce in Texas due to insufficient chill. I knew that was a risk, but I figured I'd know upon receipt - it'd be nice to know what the rootstock is too. It looks like I'll just have to grow a few years and hope for the best. If I were further north, I likely wouldn't care as much, but worth noting for anyone else that orders from them.

Again, that was the risk I took knowingly - well sort of - I've never seen a tree locally without clear indication what the scions and rootstock are. I don't know if this is normal or not - but I'd put that on every label. I had planned on ordering another combo from them, but I won't do that again. I'd also look at ads closer to see if rootstock is listed. It is not listed on any of the trees I ordered.

I am in no way unhappy - I'm really excited with how well they all look - they completely surpassed expectation. The box was 6 foot long and many trees are clipped at the top to even fit into the box. Again, I have no idea if that is normal for all nurseries but I don't feel like it is. I have no doubt I'll order from them again but I'll only order named varieties and where rootstock doesn't matter to me.

I was very pleased with the 4 in 1 cherry trees and honeyberry shrubs that I got from Ison's Nursery. My order was packaged well and the tree/shrub size puts other companies to absolute shame. Shipping time was acceptable as well. I wouldn't hesitate to do business with them again.

I have ordered from Ison's two times. Their packing is great, and the plants arrived in good shape, with moist, flexible roots and long vines. (I bought the 2 years + vines.) I was impressed! The muscadines we planted last year look good this year, too. No fruit yet, but the plants aren't old enough yet to bear fruit. I like their catalog, and their how-to videos, too. Janet, answered the phone, the times I called, and has always been very helpful and friendly. I plan to buy from them again!

I ordered two seedless muscadine vines and a fig tree from Ison's. Within a week of the phone order my plants arrived. All were well packed and in good condition. The planting and care instructions were detailed and complete. I am pleased with my order.

On 4/4/17, I ordered all bare root plants:
(2) Salavatski Russian Pomegranate Tree (arrived with almost full leaves and 2-3 branches)
(1) Li JuJube Tree (arrived with a few leaves)
(2) Caroline Raspberry Plant (arrived looking like dead sticks)

I can't remember if Ison's sent me tracking information, but I know either they did or UPS did as I knew the day the plants would arrive. I live in 01810.
Plants arrived with some sort of gel. I planted 5 days after the plants arrived and followed Ison's instructions.
Winter of 2017 was pretty rough with multiple subzero days.

Status of plants as of 9/13/18

Pomeganates -> Rough remainder of the year. No winter protection and wet snow bent all the branches to death. Both grew back vigorously. I'll protect them this year.

Raspberries -> pretty sure they arrived dead. I didn't complain as my waiting 5 days is a long time for a little stick.

Li Jujube -> Grew well into the 3rd month. Deer ate it down to trunk. Li grew back a little, but I was pretty sure it was a goner. No winter protection and grafted Li died. Root stock lived and is flourishing. I'm going to buy a new one from Isons's and remove the root stock.

Maybe others have higher expectations, but I think my experience with mail order plants was pretty good from Isons.

Ordered a jujube, persimmon, and pomegranate from Ison late this spring. Plants were nice size for the price, packed well, and all are doing well. Only thing I didn't like was no info on when it was going to be shipped just showed up a couple weeks later at my door.

Posted on June 26, 2017, updated April 24, 2018
Placed my very first order with them this Spring, and will never do so again. They mailed me a dead tree. And I can't get in touch with them. No one has answered my emails, and when I call customer service, no one picks up the phone.
These people appear to be scam artists. Avoid.

I ordered a Pomegranate from Ison's this year and I was blown away by the quality of the plant and the wonderful packing with moisture retentive gel.

I planted some muscadines and fruit trees from Ison's two years ago and they have done so well. They grew much more than I expected and I have already been able to eat muscadines from my vines. The videos on their website are wonderful instructional videos as seeing it is so much easier to understand.

Every time I have called and had questions they are so helpful and immediately get me the information I need.

I just ordered some Black Beauty and Pam and can't wait to continue to increase my backyard vineyard. This is a great hobby for me and I hope to continue adding more fruits to my backyard.

I recommend Ison's Nursery and look forward to continuing to do business with them!

I ordered 3 muscodine vines on 4/24/2016 a Supreme, Darlene and late fry. I recieved the vines on 3/30/2016 and planted them the same evening. A week or so later all vine had buds that were swelling and beginning to grow. A few days later the Supreme buds began to dry up. I called and they were so nice and immediately shipped out another vine. I recieved the replacement on 4/14/2016 and planted it that evening. In the two weeks plus the other two vines had began to grow. On 3/24/2016 there were signs of black rot on the Darlene vine. I called and it was the same thing , they were so nice and gave me some very good advice. I was told to spray with captan (I had already sprayed with copper) and to keep an eye on it and call back if anything changed. It did. I called again and they immediately shippec out another vine. I wish all companies cared about their customers like Ison's they are totally awesome. I highly recommend them and will alway be a customer.

They ship when the plants are ready to be shipped (when fully dormant), so its not right after you order. I bought 4 muscadines, 2 blackberry vines, and a pair of elderberries. Took about a month before they shipped. All the plants arrived looking good and after an overnight soak were planted in their permanent locations. As of this moment they are all showing spring vigor and leafing out in full. Would definitely order from again, and plan to since they have some other interesting things.

I just received my order from them, all of grapes and blackberries. It all looks good and seems to have arrived alive.

Early this morning, My husband and got in my car and drove 4 hours to isons. I wanted to grow some muscadines and was hoping to get some advise about varieties and planting. Greg Ison (I believe that was his name) was just wonderful! He took us into the vineyard, letting us taste each of the grapes on our list and showed us exactly how to plant , prune and care for our new plants for maximum growth and productivity. We left there with 16 beautiful healthy new muscadine vines as well as everything we need to set up our irrigation system. The one on one instructions alone were worth the drive. I am so pleased. I'll be getting some other plants bare root later on. I highly recommend Isons!

Posted on May 6, 2014, updated April 30, 2015
Posted on April 28, 2014, updated May 6, 2014
NO CUSTOMER SERVICE

I received a 4-in-one-cherry tree several days ago, and it only had three varieties. The 4th graft had failed long ago, as it was brown and healed. The worst part is, they sold it anyway, knowing it was only three, as they put the tag for the 4th variety around the trunk because there was no branch to put it on!

I have tried calling every day, and at different hours. All I ever get is a recording, at both customer service numbers. I left a message - no return call. I emailed. Sent photos. No response.

Don't count on getting any help from this company.
If they mess up your order, - too bad, so sad.

FAIL

I love this place! Great people and customer care every time I walk in the door is wonderful! I appreciate the time they have taken to get me sorted out on planting new vines, and how much time one associate personally took with me, staying on the line with me while I took all the notes I could as this is their field of expertise. I know I probably kept you from taking other calls, but I appreciate the time you spent on making sure I was planting right in order to see a fruitful harvest. THANK YOU ISONS!!!!

Long time customer. I've purchased many fruit trees and muscadine vines from Ison's over the years and have always been pleased with their service and products. Highly recommend.

Have bought plants for years from Isons. Have always been pleased with plants, service and especially prices. All of my muscadine vines, fruit trees and blueberry plants in my home orchard have come from Isons. Happy long time customer. Highly recommend.

Posted on July 16, 2013, updated September 1, 2013
Posted on December 18, 2012, updated July 16, 2013
Posted on September 26, 2012, updated December 18, 2012
Posted on February 9, 2012, updated September 26, 2012
I have been very pleased with Ison's. I contacted Ison's both before and after placing my order. I called with general questions, once to change my order, and a couple of times to check status of the shipment. They always answered promptly and were knowledgeable about their products.

I ordered 5 varieties of blackberries, 2 blueberry bushes, 3 muscadine vines, and 3 types of trees. I received the order about a week and a half ago. For the most part, everything appears healthy and as described on their website.

I'll need to keep an eye on a couple of the blackberry plants. The Navaho had no branching and the stalk was approx. 1 inch in diameter, which seems very thick for a young plant. The Arapaho has branching and is of the correct size, but appears to have severe die back. I'll keep a close eye on both of these over the next several weeks and report back.

The remaining blackberry, blueberry, and muscadine plants all look good. The fig tree also looks nice and is much larger than I expected. The almond tree is a little shorter than described, but has very nice branching. The Jujube description indicated the tree would be 4-5' branched. The tree was of the correct height, but all limbs had been completely pruned away leaving just a long stick. However, this could be normal pruning for this type of tree.

Overall, considering the great customer service, the user friendly website, and the good condition of most of the plants, I am very satisfied. I just wish I had ordered one or two more muscadines!

"On Aug 13, 2013 4:40 PM, Ison's Nursery & Vineyard responded with:

In regard to your posting, I wanted to respond and offer my services in ensuring your satisfaction with our nursery! I apologize for the misunderstanding as far as our replacement policy. We will be happy to replace your pomegranate tree at no costs to you.

Our replacement policy is posted in our catalog as well as our website. We try to make sure it is accessible to our customers. I do agree that the email you received was misleading and not clear and for that I am very sorry!

We want to ensure your satisfaction and that you have quality plants from our nursery. Please allow us to replace the muscadines you lost as well as the pomegranates that did not leaf out. We have been shipping bareroot plants since 1970 and have not had any problems with these types of plants. We actually plant bareroot vines in our vineyards and have great success with these vines. There are many factors that can affect the reason your vines died back. For that reason, it is not always possible to determine the exact cause.

Please contact us immediately and give your information so we can get your plants replaced this coming shipping season. Your satisfaction is very important to us and we will do all that we can to ensure your planting success!

Thank You! Janet Ison"

I ordered a bunch of Gooseberry, Currant, and Elderberry plants (36 in all) in February 2013. Plants shipped in early March and since it was still cold in Northern Indiana, I heeled them into a couple of pots in the garage.

Most all of the plants are now planted outside and are leafing and budding like crazy. A couple of the currant plants didn't look well but I believe they recognized that because there were a few extra. The plants had huge root systems.

I am very pleased and have added them as a favorite. Will buy from again.

We ordered 2 muscadines almost two years ago now. We actually ended up receiving one that was mislabeled and then a replacement. So... three grapevines total in the end. All three are THRIVING! We are anticipating a great little harvest of grapes (can already see tons of little ones) this year. As a result, we are EAGERLY awaiting our latest order of a Persimmon, a Pineapple Guava, a Fig, a Goji Berry and ANOTHER grape! We love their service, and their products thus far. We have already recommended highly to friends!

Recently placed an order with Ison's and I was very pleased with their service and products. Shipping was fast too. I'm looking forward to planting my new fruit trees and blueberries.

Highly recommend this company. We have been doing busines with Isons Nursery since the early 1990's. We have ordered plants that were shipped to our farm many times and have also had the pleasure of visiting the nursery and meeting the Ison's. Bill Ison even gave us a tour of his vineyards during harvest season many years ago. It is good to know that there are still some family farms around. Greg Ison has spent a lot of time with us over the years answering questions and offering much needed advice. Always pleased with the outstanding plants and service. Also want to thank Ms Kim for good service. I like buying from the grower. A+

Quick shipping and what appear to be good, healthy strawberry plants. I ordered 50 strawberry plugs this fall and received them in 48 hours. Prices were reasonable - or at least in line with what I could find from other growers on-line. Overall, a good transation and I will consider buying from them again.

Posted on August 23, 2012, updated September 13, 2012
Posted on July 29, 2012, updated August 23, 2012
I had ordered 6 muscadine grapevines from them. The grapevines arrived but one did not sprout at all. I notified them and they said they would put me on the list for a new order the next planting season. Within a week, two more plants croaked after barely sprouting buds. In my 2nd notification to them by email, I got no response. This is the first mail-order company I have ordered plants from that has such poor customer service. It has been almost a month since my second email and I have not heard anything from them. I gave a negative rating because of the 6 plants ordered, only 3 actually survived, although I have been giving them TLC daily. I am still watering the dead ones, hoping maybe a miracle will happen and they would sprout leaves from the spot I planted (No more stem evident since they disappeared.) In fact, I had order two male plants to pollinate the four female plants. Both male plants are completely gone.

I would highly recommend Ison's Nursery. I have been dealing with them for the past 25 years and have been well satisfied with their plants and service. I bought a lot from them while living in MS and also since living in Honduras.

On February 6, 2012 I again called them to place an order for some berry plants a wanted to try down here. I asked if there was any way they could send them out the same day or Tuesday so that I would have them in time to bring them down with some other plants I am planning to bring. She said she would make sure they go out on Monday. On Wednesday the 8th (2 days after ordering) we received the plants in MS in good condition. I couldn’t wish for a more accommodating company.

I have a 4 acre fruit tree and nut orchard. I ordered approximately $500 back in October 2011. Each time I called I received good customer service and was told when the trees would be available. In Jan it was very warm so I decided rather than wait I would drive the 100 miles down to pick up the trees. I called first and they said my order would be ready. When I got there they got everything together for me. The trees were in outstanding condition. Moreover I enjoyed speaking with the male who I think owns the place. He was very helpful and very friendly. I ended up purchasing and additional $400 worth of trees. I normally only purchase trees through Johnson Nursery in Ellijay whom I am very fond of and very pleased with. However since this nursery is closer I will definitely be doing my business here.

In early January 2012 I ordered one seedless Concord grape, one Ison black self fertile muscadine, one Tiftblue and one other blueberry from Ison's. The plants arrived healthy, clean and correctly and clearly labeled. The growth on each
plant was vigorous and impressive. The root systems on each plant were breathtaking. I wonder how such a thick, dense substantial root system could grow so quickly on plants so small and young. These folks clearly know how to develop roots in the young nursery stock they sell. I found myself impressed that they included separate planting instructions for each species of plant. I will later this year post a progress report on the growth of these clearly superior plants from a conscientious and highly professional firm.

Made an order online one night....the next morn called and made some changes, after I hung the phone...I thought... that was to easy, and expected some glich in my received order....you know what I'm talking about. " Didn't happen ". They were willing, friendly, fast, an efficient.....and the packaging was excellant, no skimp, you can tell they are in it to do a good job. My compliments.

My wife and I made our first trip to Ison's this past Saturday. We purchased two "instant orchard" apple trees, a couple blueberry bushes, three raspberry bushes, and a bundle of 25 strawberry plugs. We live in Atlanta and did some research on the internet for fruit nurseries within an hours drive. I found an article about the Georgia Organics fruit tree sale in 2010 and figured if Georgia Organics sold Ison's trees they would probably be a good choice. Our experience was fantastic. I had ordered the trees earlier in the year (10% discount for early orders - I think it was October), and they called me this past week to let me know everything was ready to be picked up. When we arrived the staff was very friendly. They helped load everything in our car, gave us information about the plants, and applied the 10% discount to a number of other plants that we added on to our order. The woman that rung us up also gave us a free pack of Tree Saver because she forgot to add it to our order. All of the plants look healthy and very much alive. There were a few broken limbs on the apple trees, but they had to be pruned anyway. Obviously I can't comment on plants that are shipped through the mail, but if you live in Atlanta and don't mind a short road trip south (near Peachtree City) this is a great place to get fruit trees, fruit bushes, etc.

I have never had a problem with Ison, great plants, so I have to give Ison a AAA plus, you don't get that service just anywhere.

Very good experiences with this company so far. Their variety selection for the South East and Deep South is excellent. All the trees and vines I've ordered have been robust with excellent root systems and healthy stems. Everything seems solid. Pretty good prices and the trees got here fast. Very highly recommended.

I recently received an order from Ison's for Blackberries, Raspberries, and a 2 year plus Muscadine. The Blackberries and Raspberries were in good shape and had a few extras of each. The Muscadine seemed to be in good shape but much smaller than advertised. I contacted them to let them know. They immediately (within days over Christmas Holidays) shipped me a new much bigger vine and told me I could keep the smaller one as well. I am very satisfied with Ison's and will definitely order from them again.

Posted on December 30, 2010, updated December 30, 2010
Had two recent orders, one for muscadines and one for blueberries. Received promptly, excellent plants and root systems. Would recommend ordering from Ison's Nursery, a good family business.

One of my favorite nursery companies!! Three generations of my family have been buying from them (father Bill and now his children!)
They have been exceptionally honest and true to their products. I have purchased fruit trees (apple, cherry, fig, crab apple) for over 20 years and have always been treated fairly. Their specialty of course is muscadines and that is where their knowledge and vines really excel. I have not had any experience with their shipping, as I always pick up at the nursery since I drive past it almost weekly. They have been very willing to leave products for my pick up after hours and that has really helped my weekend gardening projects. The Sugargate, Supreme, Black Beauty, and Darlene varieties are my favorites and the vines I have purchased have exceeded any I have seen for sale anywhere else!!
Edward

I ordered 2 fig and 2 cherry trees from another supplier and have yet to receive them. I placed an order with Ison's I received an email the same day telling me my order was being processed the next day I received a tracking # for my order. I received my trees the following day and they were in the ground that evening. I ordered the trees on Tuesday and on Friday I received and planted them. AWESOME. The trees seem to be doing fine have only been in the ground 3 days.

I was waiting to post this comment until I knew if one of the two trees I ordered was going to make it. It looks like it will, so almost all I have to say is positive. I ordered two 5-6' Jujube trees on April 2. I received three different emails from Ison's that same day confirming my order and providing me with additional information. On April 7, I received an email with a FedEx tracking number so I could track the shipment to my door. On April 9, I received my trees. At first I was pretty nervous because the box the trees arrived in was badly crushed and damaged. Opening the box, though, revealed the two trees looked like they weren't banged up too badly. One tree had several limbs that had been broken off, but the other looked fine. Both had good-looking root systems and their roots had been well wrapped in plastic with plenty of terra gel to keep them moist. One of the trees already had a few green shoots coming out. I put them both in the ground the day they were received. Yesterday, April 15, not quite a week since they went into the ground, the other tree has started putting on sprouts. Bottom line, this was a good experience. The only improvement I would request they make is in their packaging - maybe adding some paper in the box to cushion the plants in transit. Other than that, great communication, fast shipping, good price and the plants I requested... I wouldn't hesitate to order again.

My experience this year:
Muscadine - healthy, no problems
Gogiberry - VERY puny, I don't look for them to survive, but we'll see
Mulberry - very nice specimen, no complaints at all
Blackberries/Raspberries - average - not great size, but ok

Positive overall experience, but not the best I've ever seen.

I have an organic homestead in Western North Carolina. I have placed two orders with Ison's Nursery for 2010. Both orders were shipped and recieved on schedule. The grape, blackberry, and goji plants were professionally packed and properly boxed for Fed-X shipping. The grapes had extensive root systems and were of proper caliber (1/4") diameter. The goji and blackberry plants were smaller, but that is ok. The availability of the perfect plant is not always possible. I have 62 years of farming experience which includes a 500 fruit tree orchard. The plants from Ison's Nursery appear healthy and ready to grow. Your customer service on the phone was prompt and showed that your employees had great knowledge of your products.

Thank you.

Organic Gardener