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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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 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!
:))

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!

I ordered from Forest Farm for the first time this spring, was looking for narrow Alaska cedar. My two trees arrived and were healthy and well packaged. I will definitely purchase plants from Forest Farm again, there is such a large selection and variety of plants.

A+ I only wish I had learned about this company sooner. I was a little skeptical when I first found them because I had never heard of them, but since they were in Oregon here not far from me I thought I would take a chance. I've never seen such great specimens, packed so well. They always send such great stuff and totally stand behind their product. This is absolutely the best company across the board. I've ordered a half dozen or so things from them so far and all were shipped with such amazing care and all were perfect specimens. This company is very impressive.

I placed an order almost two weeks ago, and received the order Friday evening. I am really amazed at the plants as this is a mail order! :) I am extremally happy with the plants, and the packaging. They went above and beyond, and part of the packaging was newspaper. They took extreme care, and the plants are doing well. I ordered: Brunnera macrophylla Silver Heart Siberian Bugloss, Symphoricarpos chenaultii Blade of Sun Dwarf Yellow-lf. Snowb, Bolax glabra Nana (Azorella), Trillium albidum Westrn Sweet Trillium,
Lamium maculatum Purple Dragon Lamium, Dryopteris tokyoensis Tokyo Wood Fern, and Athyrium Ghost Ghost Fern. I am very pleased with my order, and would recommend them to anyone. Thanks!

I've probably ordered 20 times or more from these guys and I highly recommend them of the dozens of trees and plants I've ordered and every plant except one has been in fantastic condition.

The one slight exception was a larch that was rootbound and should have been potted up. No biggie. It's doing well now.

They do an expert job in packing the trees too. There is no way they could get damaged in shipping.

A+
10 out of 10

I've ordered from Forestfarm for many years now, and I've never had a bad experience with them. I placed another order earlier this year for 3 blue blossom Ceanothus. The plants arrived quickly, were very well packed, and looked great. They've only been in the ground for 2 weeks, but there is already new growth budding out on the tips. Thank you, Forestfarm!

No other way to say it-FORESTFARM ROCKS!!! We visited there in person when we went to Oregon last year and we stuffed two carry-on suitcases with plants to take back home with us! Super amazing selection, super courteous and knowledgeable staff, great shipping quality, and very efficient in rectifying any issues that come up. We have ordered from them many times and we had just one plant-a Serviceberry--that didn't make it. Contacted them and received a credit with no problem! Love them sooo much :)

First order from this company; they called me immediately for a plant that wasn't ready to ship yet; I asked them to send it when it became available but send the rest of the order now, and they agreed to do this without an extra shipping charge. The plants when they arrived were packaged with EXTREME care; the dichondra, just barely out of dormancy, picked its head up and looked around within hours. Their prices might be a little on the "quality" side, but that's ok with me, especially because they support local community organizations. Their catalog seems very strong in trees and shrubs, and the plants they had that I'm familiar with came in many varieties I've not heard of.

Vewry very happy about this company:
last year (april 2014) I ordered the following plants:
1)Clematis terniflora
2)Vitex agnus-castus
3)Ostrich Fern
4)Ceanothus delilianus Gloire de Versailes
5)Sambucus nigra Black Lace
6)Crape Myrtle Pink Velour
All of them grew very, very well I had zero loss , not only but with exception of Clematis ternifolia (that grew very well as well) and of course ostrich fern, all the plant bloom the same year that I receive...that is really nice considering that I ordered tube size plant (except for the black elderberry).
The Black elderberry really astonish me : it passed from be a 1-2 foot plant to 7 foot plant in a growing season!!! I will definitively order some more plants this year!!

I ordered 5 plants from ForestFarm. The plants arrived in two days here in No. Cal. I was very pleased with the packing, plant size and health. I started to unpack the box from the top, but then noticed the super-handy pull tag at the bottom of the box. This made unpacking very easy. From beginning to end, I am so very happy with the experience I had. And I will certainly look to order from them again in the near future- especially since they have so many varieties of plants you simply cannot get anywhere else. I want to extend my thanks to the ForestFarm team and share it with others in the community!!

I ordered two trees from Forest Farm , Korean Mtn Ash and a Tall Winter King Hawthorn .
They arrived today in a very lge,tall box Packed Very well !! Shipping was a bit high but UPS chges extra for such a large box

the folks there , were Very accomadating with a fone call and couple of e mails .

Even though a long journey from Oregon, they arrived just as if they were dug yesterday ..the only ones I could find on the east coast were VERY high in price which I thought was way unreasonable compared to Forest Farm . I would order again from them .
................te