Comments regarding Bonsai Boy of New York

I've been going to bonsai boy since I started with the hobby a few years back. The selection of young material is unbelievable, although if you are looking for a more refined tree you may need to look elsewhere. The prices are excellent. I found everyone there very friendly, excited to talk bonsai and will otherwise leave you alone to wander the giant greenhouses. People complaining about receiving a stick in the dirt for $60 don't really know anything about bonsai. This is exactly the type of material one uses when starting on a bonsai. If you are looking for a tree that has already been worked for a number of years and is further developed, expect to pay about 10X what bonsai boy is charging, and probably much more. I've never ordered from them online, but people have to realize that they have literally hundreds of each species. If you order from them online, expect that they will just pull one off the shelf and send it to you. If you are looking for a specific tree, you need to visit the greenhouse and pick the exact tree you want. I have two complaints about the place - first, the soil they use is not appropriate for bonsai, they pack it in too tight and I need to repot their trees immediately into bonsai soil. Second, they really do not carry any "specimen" trees. Rather, what they call specimen trees is simply a nursery tree that had its roots cut to fit into a pot and then branches hedged to look like a small tree. But this is not a bonsai and, worse, most of these "specimens" have horrible graft unions.

So far, I have had a positive experience with this company. I ordered a tree about a week and a half ago and received a prompt reply from the company requesting that I call them about my order. I did so and the person I talked to (I can not recall the name unfortunately) informed me that the temperatures were going to be below freezing that week and that the tree I ordered (Flowering Brush Cherry Bonsai Tree - Small, an Australian tropical plant) would likely die due to the low temperatures if they sent it out when I ordered it. He said they would like to send it the next week when the weather was supposed to be better, which I extremely appreciated, being a beginner to this art. Thank you for that!

I would also like to point out two words from the second to last sentence there: "beginner" and "art." It seems like many people who had negative experiences with this company were beginners as well who didn't realize that bonsai is an art. They complained that their trees died quickly and that they were treated badly when they blamed the company they bought from. If you buy a bonsai tree from a company, it can be assumed that either you are an idiot, or you believe them to be experts on the art. Also, if you are a beginner, it is highly unlikely that you will be the perfect owner to your plant when you first start off. If your tree is not doing so hot, instead of blaming the company you trusted to be experienced, why not call them to ask what you might be doing wrong? Why not ask the people you have trusted as experts for some tips? Instead these people have called with nothing but blame and insults. I completely understand why they might not be treated so well. I can't think of a time I have ever insulted someone about something they were an expert on and gotten a pleasant response.

The tree I ordered arrived (as per tracking that I received) today, and looks beautiful. Doesn't look the exact same as the plant in the picture, and came with a different pot, but it is clearly the same plant and I actually prefer the pot it came in. I highly doubt it will stay as beautiful for long, because unlike others I realize that I am a beginner and will make mistakes, but I can assure you that instead of calling with complaints I will be asking for advice.

Went into Bonsai Boy today to get a gift for a friend. My dad endded up coming with me. First off, I will say, even for the weather and it being winter, their stock was impressive. Mark was very friendly and informative and gave us all the time we needed to look at what they had. He wasnt pushy at all. My dad liked what he saw so much he ended up buying a tree. Mark gave us all the info we needed and wrapped the trees very well.

Besides the long drive to get there, its a great selection of trees and I would go back there again for another.

After reading the negative comments posted here I was a little apprehensive about purchasing my first tree from bonsai boy, but went ahead with it anyway, ordering a juniper for around $50 + shipping/humidity tray. I am pleased to report the aforementioned comments appear to be the work of a spammer with multiple accounts and/or neurotic neerdowells with nothing to do but post hate. The order has arrived in perfect condition. It is a beautiful tree about 6" tall that I plan to give as a gift to someone I'm sure will be as charmed by the thing as I am. Bonsai Boy is professional, fast and sells an excellent product. I would recommend them to anyone.

Started with my first bonsai only 6 months ago (first was a gift). Now have 6 and am hooked for life. Subsequent purchases were mail order. Tried BonsaiBoy (BB) and a couple others. All purchases were great but BB has delivered on everything that was promised. Supplies were always here promptly and the trees were great. Packaged unbelievably well and looked great. In fact...the only problems with any BB trees were from my own hand. I read these comments and was hesitant but there was so much vile in a couple of these that I personally believe them to be from competitors. I took a chance and now buy almost everything from BB. My name is Bill S (not listing last name for privacy reasons) and live in Massillon, OH. I am very real and have no affiliations. I almost never write about a company...figure that is for them to do via marketing. Wrote this, frankly, because I think that a lot of the comments are skewed and don't sound fair. If they are...they are. My experience was great and would recommend them to anyone out there.

Bonsai Boy's website is very easy to use. they clearly identify trees that are indoor vs. outdoor. I placed an order on Tuesday night and it arrived on Thursday morning. Packed beautifully. The tree was exactly as shown on the web site. Very responsible and ethical company. I would recommend them without reservation to anyone interested in Bonsai.

I recently ordered a "one of a kind" bonsai. It arrived (from New York) in California two days later and was exactly as described and looked just like the picture. What I couldn't believe was that it arrived upside down as there was nothing on the outside of the box to indicate "fragile - this side up". The good news was that the packing was so good the the bonsai was in prestine condition and all I had to do was readjust a little bit of the pea-gravel. The bonsai was very healthy and I was extremely happy with the purchase. I am going to have a stamp made for Bonsai Boy that says "FRAGILE THIS SIDE UP" and will send it to their shipping department and then I will order my second Bonsai from them.

I specifically emailed the owners of bonsaiboy to see if they had a feedback section. To my surprise he linked me here, and I read a negative report?! I am very sceptical of online purchasing and don't have the income to be wasting on a little tree.....after comparing their site to others I trusted my gut and placed an order. My new Fukien tea tree has started a lifelong love of Bonsai thanks to them! They were everything I expected and then some! They had the best price on my tree, shipping was solid, timely and safe. I rarely review anyone's service because I think my payment is enough of a thank you. BonsaiBoy went so far above and beyond what I expected that i went out of my way to sign up for this site and post this. If anyone ever has questions on my experience(and more to come) shopping their site feel free to ask!

I was really happy to see the tree I got was still green and not beat up at all from the shipping.

The pot looks really nice, and they even included a nice little rock to add to the atmosphere. The tree is also bigger than I expected.

My only complaint is that they don't have adequate descriptions of the extra things you can buy at checkout. Otherwise I would have bought the fertilizer.

I was fortunate to be able to go to the nursery and pick my bonsai.

The owner's son helped me out. Really nice and fully knoledged people. The tree is beautiful . I could never get such a healthy, nice 22 years old tree anywhere for the money that I paid. They grow it from seed.
I called the place 2 before going there. The first person had an "elderly" voice. He was not helpful. The second time was someone else, he took the time with me. I told him that I lived in Long Island and he invited me to come in.

I am absolutely happy with the tree and service that I received.

great packaging and fast shipping.. Item came as described

After reading a bunch of negative reviews I decided to order something to try them out anyway. So glad I did, my new tree is awesome! I love it.

I have ordered several things from this company & been very pleased. Just received 3 Brush Cherries which came quickly and are beautiful & healthy!

Here's the deal. I ordered a bonsai tangerine from Bonsaiboy of New York. After ordering I was searching around for care tips etc and eventually found this page which had reviews. I started to worry after reading the reviews that I wasn't going to get a very good product. I spent 110 total with fertilizer and drip tray. I ordered the product Friday and it arrived yesterday. The tree I got was taller than 12 inches and that's not including the pot. I'd say the tree is about 18 inches tall. Very green and healthy. The pot it came in is a circular pot, nice size, weight and look and has very nice soil. Even has a wooden rock looking deal in it as decoration. The way they pack it is genius, haha. It's basically a tall box just filled with styrofoam peanuts that keeps everything pretty much stable. The bottom is wrapped in plastic bubble wrap and very neatly done. I am totally impressed with the whole deal and I just wanted to make my thoughts on the product known on this thread. I'm addicted to plants since moving to Florida and I will order from bonsai boy again. I will also recommend to friends.

Also I see some people say just buy local but you can't find cool stuff like bonsai tangerines local - even in florida. Here's to hoping I get some tangerines.

BonsaiBoy - Gene was very helpful to me on a Preserved Bonsai I had ordered. The color was dissapointing and Gene contacted them (the only one that makes Preserved Bonsai ). They promptly sent me a spray to enhance the color, which was excellent. It is now a very realistic live looking Bonsai. Thanks Gene

I had placed an order for a Mount Fuji Serissa around Dec as a xmas present for my boyfriend. Since it wasn't able to be delivered by Xmas day, which by the way was no fault of the company it had to do with unfavourable weather (I live in Cali) they emailed me a gift certificate of the tree with a picture and everything I could give. Once the tree came in, it was lovely. After a few weeks the leaves withered a little and us being new to the whole bonsai tree thing, we called Gene to see what we were doing wrong and what we should do. He was let us know how to take care of it and was super informative over the phone. Now our little tree is healthy and the colors of the leaves are gorgeous! Very happy with everything A+++ :)

I have purchased many trees, pots, accessories, and plant stock from numerous companies around the country and this is, BY FAR, the most outstanding one of them all...

VERY healthy trees!
Amazingly fast delivery!
HUGE selection!
BEST PRICES!
Consistently outstanding customer service!

Go ahead and check out other Bonsai sites/companies but I guarantee you will end up here and you will be VERY VERY pleased you did.

I do not understand the negative reviews on this site. I have made purchases from Bonsai Boy of New York as far back as 2003 and have NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED!

I called to see if Gene could ship several bonsai in August and also if he could help me with shipping charges. He was extremely nice and helpful, and assured me the trees would be delivered mid August as I requested. Of course the proof will be the condition and appearances once they are delivered; however my initial experience was very pleasant. I hope it continues and I am not disappointed. Frankly I wondered if I spoke to the same "Gene" as referenced in other reviews.

Odd that, according to some reviews, they are so nice to customers who come into the store, but not so much with the mail order/on-line community.

I purchased my first bonsai tree ever from BB Aug 17, 2007 and just love it. So much so that I ordered my second tree Aug 31 and was heartbroken when it arrived damaged (not their fault definitely but the shipper). They were unbelievable, no hassle, no problems. My wonderful new tree is here already. Great people to deal with. I recommend them 100 %. They were definitely a pleasure.

Ordered a couple of pots and various supplies from this company via Amazon.com on Wednesday, got my order on Monday. Customer Service even called me to verify the size of an Item I had ordered. The pots came extremely well packaged and I received everything I wanted in an exceptionally timely fashion, I have no complaints about their service.

Just received an order of pots, supplies and a plant. Plant was beautiful and larger and more mature then expected. Delivery was very quick and there was even a heating packet in the box to keep the plant warm. I would definitely order here again.

I too am surprised by the negative feedback this company has received as I often buy from them (I live locally) and have always found them to be extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and their bonsai selection and quality is, in my opinion, beyond reproach. I won't stop buying from them and hope that others give them a chance before jumping to the wrong conclusion.

I am a bit surprized at the negative rating of this company. I placed a good sized order (about $250 if I remember correctly) with them 2 years ago. I gave their bonsai as Christmas gifts to my family and they were a hit! The trees all arrived quickly, well packed and were very healthy. I thought the prices reflected the quality of the trees. The bonsai are still thriving, even those owned by my realitives with "brown thumbs".

I have ordered from this company twice. They have very good quality bonsai plants. They have also been very responsive to questions and comments. I would definitely recommend them.