Comments regarding Forestfarm

I live in the same state as Forestfarm now, but I received excellent plants from them when I lived in Virginia, too; they have so many plants that are difficult/impossible to find anywhere else.

I placed an order for 7 different evergreens total. I got an email stating 3 out of the 7 were out of stock. Really 3 out of the 7? Just got my package of 4 that they did have in stock.(12/14/2022). Come to find out each one was grafted. There was no mention of my items being grafted evergreens. Root systems look acceptable, overall health quality is acceptable. i was just shocked to find everyone being a graft. .

"On Jan 31, 2023 11:03 AM, Forestfarm responded with:

We are sorry to hear that you were disappointed in your conifer cultivars being grafts. In order for cultivated traits such as disease resistance and expected plant characteristics to remain consistent, and of good quality, it is often necessary for certain plants, such as some conifer cultivars to be grafted. Seeds more often than not vary in traits, as they are a mix of DNA from the plant they were collected and the various other plants which pollinated it. This may cause inconsistencies, making it impossible for us to guarantee the plant’s genetics and traits, when it comes to specific cultivars. Conifers may all be propagated by cuttings, but unfortunately not all conifers will willingly root on their own. This typically leaves us dependent upon grafts for many specific cultivars. Here is an article from the American Conifer Society which explains this topic much better than I am able: [HYPERLINK@conifersociety.org]"

I ordered an assortment of shrubs in tubes for winter interest (beauty berry, witch hazel and dogwood) in my garden. The order arrived with one of the thirteen shrubs having dry leaves on it. I sent them an email with a picture of the shrub asking for help but now it's been 2 weeks and I haven't heard back from them. I staged them in self watering pots since they arrived and the one beauty berry seems to be reviving. In planting them, I found another one of them (a witch hazel) seems to be held on with tape as if it was grafted. Overall I like the selection that I couldn't find elsewhere at this price point but would like to see responses to concerns. I'm happy I found them, I got a quick delivery of the shrubs. They do send instructions that say that "plants are resilient" but let them know if you have any concerns.

Posted on May 5, 2014, updated August 8, 2021
I've purchased from Forestfarm for various plants and have always had a great experience from them. They carefully pack items so that They arrive in great shape all the way across the country.

I've found their plant information to be enjoyable and very helpful. They are also quite careful in their growing zone rating which I appreciate as I've run into some rather dubious zone claims on a few plants from some nurseries other than Forestfarm. I can trust their zone ratings.

I bought several vines and other flowering plants last May. I had some questions while trying to choose plants, so I called (more than one time!); the person who helped me was courteous and informative. I received my shipment quickly, and the plants were VERY well packaged. They also arrived in pristine condition. My plants have grown over the summer (it's now August), and I've even had some blooms. I honestly can't say enough nice things about Forestfarm!

Posted on May 31, 2021, updated July 15, 2021
Posted on May 6, 2018, updated May 31, 2021
Posted on May 11, 2015, updated May 6, 2018
Posted on June 9, 2012, updated May 11, 2015
Posted on April 23, 2012, updated June 9, 2012
Posted on April 1, 2000, updated April 23, 2012
I received my first order from Forest Farm last month and am very impressed. I ordered from them because they were the only source I could find, after searching the web, catalogs and local nurseries, of several plants. The packaging was unbelievable. I almost had to WRESTLE the plants out of their boxes! It took half an hour, because the plants are containerized, the tops covered with shredded newspaper, the container placed in a plastic bag and tied, and the whole thing essentially doubleboxed. My three viburnums, in five gallon containers, were all over 3 feet tall (one 4!) and they were in bloom in the box. Despite the surface trip (a good five days) they were not dry. Nor were they rootbound. They are gorgeous specimens. They were $26 each, for a total of $78, and shipping was high ($87 for the three, or more than the plants), but I would do it again.The Cotinus 'Grace' came in a box that had been crushed. The UPS representative suggested I open it immediately so I could assess the damage and refuse delivery. When I opened the box her jaw dropped at the sight of a perfect, fresh shrub. Again, the awesome packaging. I paid $12 for a one gallon container and $8 for shipping, and it is three times the size of the 'Grace' I got two days earlier from another supplier. It had three branches, rather than one, it was twice as tall, and now, in June, it is growing a fourth, while the other plant, for which I paid more, has not changed at all since its planting.I plan to order from them again.

I ordered 5 leucothoe and they came nicely packed and were beautiful plants - I am very pleased!

I ordered three Daphne plants from Forestfarm because Daphne is so hard to find in my area. The plants arrived right on time - and beautifully shipped in a carton that kept them safe. Large, well-rooted plants ready to go into the ground. I have ordered from them before with the same results. The price was reasonable as well. Simply spectacular!

I just ordered a magnolia from Forestfarm yesterday and today I was contacted by Michael in an email with accompanying photos to ask which form (more tree-like or shrubbier) of the magnolia I preferred.

Especially during these trying times I really appreciate the fact that Forestfarm goes the extra mile to make sure customers are happy with their purchases.

Forestfarm is a ray of sunshine and I will continue to patronize them!

I moved into my new home in December, and I am spending my first year in establishing the landscape's "bones." Thank goodness for Forestfarm! They had several of my must-have shrubs and trees, and they all arrived healthy and strong. There was one case where I ordered the largest size of yellowwood, which evidently sold out, and the company rep called me to ask if I wanted the smaller tree instead. I sure appreciate the personal attention!

I purchased 3 Japanese maples in Tube size. Tubes are 2" x 2" wide and 6" deep for $29 ea.
They are all very healthy, and surprisingly big. they appear to be 2-3 year trees with very healthy root systems.
It has been a while since I have ordered from Forest Farm and I am delightfully impressed.
Shipping is very reasonable also.

After a bad experience elsewhere, I ordered a small (2-3') red mulberry. That's a plus, as they're rather more difficult to find than the (invasive) white mulberry. The plant was carefully packaged and came with detailed instructions.

It's been in the ground for about a month now and has leafed out beautifully. None of the lower limb buds had been stripped, which is what I needed - it's intended as a climbing tree, plus I need to be able to reach at least some of the fruit. If it survives a couple of winters it should grow into a nice fruit tree.

Posted on May 2, 2015, updated May 27, 2020
I think they are slipping. Last spring I ordered 5 trees from them. This was only my second order with the organization. The plants were shipped perfectly but looked somewhat spindly; this was especially true for the ilex that I had received. All the trees were babied, but they barely grew. Four of the five trees ended up dying through the winter. So I contact them, and they are very helpful and willing to replace my trees. So on 4-30-15 I received the replacement order. Once again everything arrived perfectly, but upon inspection of the ilex, I find that they are infested with scale. They have yellowing leaves and stems. The only dark green leaves are at the very top of the plants. Everybody knows scales suck the life out of plants. I don't know call me picky, but I think it looks bad to send out weakened plants with bugs. Are they just tired of working with me, or do they even care anymore? And to think these weak and spindly ilex trees cost $24.95 a piece. I'll be lucky if they live.

Someone else on here with negative experience mentioned that FF grows their merchandise in a lot of shade. Considering how spindly and leggy their plants are, I tend to agree.

"On May 4, 2015 10:31 AM, Forestfarm responded with:

We are so sorry to hear that your replacement Ilex had scale on them. We should have caught that in our checking process and we really apologize. We never get tired of dealing with our customers. You are why we are here. We do care very much both about our customers and our plants. Please do let us know if the plants fail to thrive for you, as you know you we will happily work with you. We are excited to share that the farm has moved to a new location which receives lots of sun.

All my best,

Jen

"

I've been ordering from ForestFarm for many years and sadly I'm just getting around to adding my review. I've been very happy with the quality, packaging and communication.

We stopped by on our way home from the south, after pre-ordering my plants. This is such a beautiful place to visit - gorgeous!! The plants were ready (as usual) and well-packed. They got planted a few days later, after getting used to their new home. The fall-blooming anemones are just lovely; and so are the echinacea. They seem very happy in their new surroundings. I try to go every year, just for the lovely drive.

I wanted to find some Jeffrey Pines to plant in Indiana. I looked everywhere but could not find any. But Forestfarm had them so I bought 4.

Before they were shipped I was sent a picture of the trees in plastic pots. Based on the picture they looked good and appeared to be small seedlings. But when they arrived, I was surprised to see that they were actually more like 3-4 FEET tall!

I put them in the ground in the early spring of 2019 and over the summer they look like they're doing pretty well. Since virtually no one around here has attempted to raise Jeffrey Pine, I don't know what this winter will bring. However, I have read that they can survive harsh conditions so they might prove to be O.K.

Forestfarm provided me with good service. FIVE STARS!

Regards,
Fred M. Cain,
Topeka, IN

Ordered a Trachycarpus wagnerianus a couple of years ago on the website because I could not find the plant anywhere else. I was sent a small strapling in the mail and because of its age there was no way to really confirm whether it was the dwarfed stiff-leaved Trachycarpus wagnerianus or the more droopy larger leaved Trachycarpus fortunei. The difference is rather distinct. Now that the plant is starting to trunk and the leaves are in their mature form I can see that it is definitely a fortunei, which is a bummer because the only reason I purchased from a retailer all the way in Oregon is because it was the only retailer I could find of the species. Unfortunately, this really was not an issue I could contact them with upon the arrival of the order because there was really no way to tell what the mature palm looked like. Maybe I'm splitting hairs but I expect to receive the correct plant when I order from a company.

For a decade I've been ordering plants from Forestfarm. They aren't the cheapest but have always shipped me live plants ridiculously well packaged. My Metasequoia Ogon from them is one of my favorites.

I'll give them an overall positive but was disappointed in the size of the plants I received. I ordered 6 perennial shrubs "tube size". The plants were packed well and shipped with tracking at the date I requested. I was surprised to see six plants in a tiny box. The "tube" is more like a tiny tomato start at a box store. I was under the impression it would be a narrow deeper rooted tube. This is a definition of tube: a long, hollow cylinder of metal, plastic, glass, etc. for holding or transporting something.

With the pot aka "tube" being only 4 inch deep it will be more susceptible to drying out than a deeper tube or sleeve. Some of these plants will be on drip irrigation but some are native plants which will just have mulch and spring rains to get them going. I hope it's enough. I clicked around a found a place on the website describing the exact size wish I would have searched before I ordered. Although I don't regret ordering they had a few plants I could not find elsewhere. I think this nursery is a good choice for exactly that, a plant you can't find anywhere else. Otherwise there is better value for your money from other reputable nurseries.

Posted on April 25, 2008, updated May 23, 2018
I've ordered from this company in the past as well as this spring. I purchased 4, 1 gallon and 8 tube size plants this spring. All but one arrived in excellent condition, ready to bud out. One plant had already budded out before or during shipping and was quite frazzled looking. It had some green leaves left at its base and has since re-foliated itself.

On a couple occasions I have called to ask questions about plant information (grafted vs. seed grown, availability, provenance, etc) Every time I called, a very polite individual answered the phone and provided answers to all my questions.

Overall, I am quite pleased with the selection and size of the plants they offer. I would highly recommend this company.

Posted on May 3, 2018, updated May 8, 2018
On Jan 23, 2018, I ordered a prunus serrula from Forestfarm. The tree arrived on Jan 29th.I was home to receive the package, so I opened it immediately, watered it and repotted it in a gallon container. It never broke dormancy. I could attribute it to something I did, but I had ordered a second prunus serrula from Dancing Oaks Nursery & Gardens that arrived on Feb 7th, 2018, and it leafed out just fine.
The worst part about this is I contacted Forestfarm twice on their website's contact form about this problem: first on April 21, 2018, and then after not hearing from them (although I received an email from them on April 21st acknowledging my "ticket") & again on May 1st (I also received an email about my "ticket"). Granted, it is only 2 days since my last "ticket", but I am pretty annoyed.
Customer service is important-I will never order from Forestfarms again.

Ordered 3 plants - A trailing blackberry, and two native berry bushes.
Prices are reasonable and shipping was blisteringly fast. The plants all look gorgeous and were packaged quite securely. Plus, they put in an extra of one of the things I ordered.

I'm quite pleased and will definitely order from them again!

Posted on March 3, 2016, updated June 1, 2017
I have purchased trees and such from Forestfarm for the last ten years or so. This time, I purchased 3 Japanese Black Pines, 2 Mock Orange shrubs, and 1 Flying Dragon contorted orange tree. All trees were packaged superbly. All trees arrived healthy. I would recommend to all gardeners Forestfarm. Reasonable prices for healthy plants.

I have had an excellent experience with ForestFarm, both online and on the phone. Their customer service is friendly and efficient. The trees I ordered were well-packed and had large root balls. More roots, healthier plant. They were also beautiful small trees, not the long sticks you get from some places. I've already placed a second order with them, and I'm sure more will be on the way.

I placed an order for 3 plants from ForestFarm this spring based on the positive reviews here and the "Top 30" rating. However, this order has turned out to be one of the most frustrating mail-order experiences of my long gardening life. First, I received no email confirmation of my order. Then, I received no shipping notification. I had to place calls and fill out their website contact form to inquire multiple times as to whether they received my order and again whether and when they would be shipping my order (the response was: it shipped a week ago!). Emails to their info@ address bounced! When the plants finally arrived, I was disheartened to see the tiny band pots they use (much smaller than your typical band pot both in width and length). The tree seedling I ordered was so rootbound that I had to cut the pot to get it out. One small lilac plant is healthy and looks good, but the rose plant is a joke on me and an embarrassment to them. It arrived dry as a rock with its foliage shriveled, and my communication to the company on this got me a no-response. I give up...working with this vendor is too much hard work and an exercise in disappointment. ForestFarm has earned its well-deserved spot on my "never again" list.

"On Apr 28, 2017 10:03 AM, Forestfarm responded with:

We are so sorry to hear your experience with our nursery so was so frustrating. Unfortunately, you caught us in the middle of a server switch that created some havoc with our email system. Those issues have all been resolved.

We strive to send the very best plant material. It sounds like your rose suffered in transit. We feel badly that you are unhappy with your plants and we will be crediting your credit card. Thank you for your feedback. We wish you a wonderful planting season.

Jen"

Back in late June of 2016 I ordered 4 Branford Rambler and 2 Ostrich ferns from Forest Farm. A few days later I was they called and said they did not want to ship the ferns from Oregon to NY because of an extended heat wave and concern over whether or not the ferns would survive the journey. I agreed, told them not to ship and promptly forgot all about the order.

On March 23, 2017 I got an email from UPS with the delivery date of my Forest Farm order.

The plants arrived well packed and in good condition. Three of the four Ramblers have small fronds and the roots of the Ostrich ferns are large and healthy. I've potted them until the weather turns warm enough to plant and I'll update after they've had a chance to settle in.

Impressive! I Have never seen so much care put into packaging plants. I ordered 5 holly bushes in the spring and they are all doing very well after 6 months. A+

Posted on April 19, 2013, updated October 11, 2016
Ordered one himalayan spruce (Picae Smithiana) and one monkey puzzle tree (Auracaria Auracana). I was pleasantly suprised to see that both were much larger than I expected. Both trees are doing well in their respective environments. The himalayan spruce was planted too deeply in its pot and, thus, I had to remove some soil and advantageous roots to get down to the root flare. I don't criticize the company for this, though, as this is a common practice throughout the industry and it is up to the consumer to correct the issue prior to planting in the ground. Would definitely order from this company again. Thanks!

Upon delivery of the plants (March), I contacted Forest Farms to submit a claim that the flowers did not meet the description as ordered, and thus I requested full reimbursement. After several attempts to contact them, I received an automated message that my ticket was closed. I immediately responded that my ticket should remain open because it had not been serviced. I made several more attempts to contact the company without a response. Eventually, I realized that my email account had been block. My only recourse was to dispute the charge with my credit card company, because the merchant did not fulfill their terms of refunds for defective plants, and it deliberately conspired to block correspondence. I was issued a full refund by my CC company. I will never order from them again.

"On Sep 2, 2016 4:23 PM, Forestfarm responded with:

We are very sorry that you were unhappy with the plants that you received, we strive to send only the highest quality stock. When your order went out in March we posted a discount of $12.00 to your credit card. You then contacted us letting us know that some of your plants had failed and we issued you another credit in June for $28.85. We were surprised to get a letter from your credit card company stating that we had not delivered your order and that you were requesting a full credit. At that point we worked with your credit card company, we would never block your email. We wish we had been able to resolve this in a more positive manner and we wish you all the best. "

Posted on May 3, 2006, updated July 19, 2016
I've gotten plants from them a few times before because I couldn't find it anywhere else but it would've been easier if only they had a toll free number to call. Also, trying to figure out how much things cost with shipping & handling is way more involved than with other mail order companies. Nice plants and prices but I wish it was easier to order from them.

I ordered four plants from Forest Farm. Kwanzan cherry tree, Cornelian cherry, Crimson cloud hawthorn and Oregon grape. I couldn't find Cornelian cherry and Crimson cloud hawthorn at my local nurseries. I called a few places within 50 miles and they had them, but were too expensive ($288.00 after a 15% discount). So I decided to try online nurseries and decided on Forest Farm after seeing good reviews on Dave's Garden.
I called and spoke to Michelle who was very helpful and knowledgeable. I ordered through their website which was really good and easy to navigate. My plants arrived through UPS ground in excellent condition. I was really nervous about the state of the plants shipped from West coast to East, but they had been very well packed and arrived looking healthy. No broken branches or wilting. I spent $172.00 on four plants including shipping. Very impressed and would highly recommend this nursery.

I ordered four frees in February for Spring delivery. In early May I notified forest farm I would be out of town, so not to send plants. After a week I told them I was back. Then I realized no one was responding to customer service emails, and auto reply to one of them was to forum that didn't work.

It boils down to trees being absent and no communications from forest farm.

"On May 24, 2016 3:43 PM, Forestfarm responded with:

We apologize for any confusion on our end. Your package had shown as delivered before we got your email communication. It appears now that UPS must have delivered your plants to the wrong address. We are very happy to replace these plants for you. We hope that you have a wonderful spring. If you have any other concerns not covered in our contact with you please give us a call at 541-846-7269."

I am a big fan of Forestfarm. They provide quality products at reasonable rates and their customer service is top notch. I have ordered many trees from them since 2013, and I am always impressed with the quality and vibrancy of the trees I receive. Their packaging and shipping procedures have always exceeded my expectations as well.

Posted on May 27, 2015, updated December 15, 2015
I'm very happy with the order I received this spring. The Stewartia rostrata is thriving, having bloomed already and putting on more than a foot of growth. The Japanese Umbrella pine is also doing well. While not inexpensive, it was good value for the size and for a plant that is difficult to find online beyond a small cutting. I am also happy with the quality of the Cornus 'Compressa' and the Neviusia, a native SE plant not easily located. I would definitely order from them again.

Posted on May 15, 2015, updated May 29, 2015
I contacted this company concerning the lemon lace vine. They list it as zone 5. However, my vine died, even though I am zone 5. Their response? They only guarantee the plant to be alive when it gets to you. They are not responsible for posting false information, didn't you know. They also blamed a harsh winter for the fatality, and my poor gardening skills. I buried my little vine in 12" of mulch, and used burlap. My winter only got down to -13 F. I am convinced that this vine is a zone 6. After doing a Google search, I found other nurseries stating that it was only reliable in zone 6. Anyway, tough luck for me. I would try a more trustworthy seller in the future.

I have ordered 12 Thujas Green Giant from them to be shipped to Canada. I have build a new house and urgently need fast-growing evergreens for a privacy. There are no Green Giant thujas in Canada for sale, for some reason. They prepared the international Phyto certificate for me.
My plants arrived in an excellent conditions, wrapped with care.
I hope the plants will adapt and will grow well.

Just want to tell them thanks for being able to handle long international shipment with custom clearance and still keep my small trees fresh during the way home :))
Thank you Michele and thank others who participated!
:))

Merely okay. Everything lived, but some were single-leaf wonders, very tiny. The shipping was quite leisurely, as well, taking seven days' time.

"On May 14, 2015 5:06 PM, Forestfarm responded with:

We apologize that the plants you received were not up to your expectations. Although we are happy to hear that everything has survived, our goal is that our plants thrive for you. Please let us know if any of the plants fail. We really do want you to be happy! The seven days in shipping is the standard UPS east coast ground which is five business days from Oregon. We also wish we could get it there quicker.

All my best,

Jen"

Posted on May 2, 2015, updated May 11, 2015
Bought a Cedrus Deodara Snow Sprite from FF several years ago. The plant barely stays alive from year to year and has shown no growth in about 4 years. I do not have the heart to pull it and throw it out, but the plant is apparently stunted due to poor grafting procedures. I could not recommend FF to anyone looking for high quality conifers, as with the same order I received the above plant, I also was sent a Abies Koriensis that died within 1 week.

"On May 4, 2015 10:04 AM, Forestfarm responded with:

We are so sorry to hear that your experience with our plants has not been a good one. We do strive to ship the very best plant material. If we had known that your Abies perished within a week of arrival we would have happily replaced it. (We still will!) If you would like a replacement Abies and to further discuss your Cedrus please give us a call at 541-846-7269 or email us at plants@forestfarm.com. Happy spring.

All my best,

Jen "

I ordered a eucalyptus, honeyberry, goji, and kiwi. The plants were huge and packed well! I couldn't be happier!