Comments regarding Welkers Grove Nursery (giantsequoia.com)

I can say this for Welkers. I sent for four abies procera, (Noble firs) and they were very likely the most professionally packaged nursery stock that I have ever received by UPS. They were so well packed that no matter what UPS did to them, they arrived in great shape.

This was an experiment for me since I live in Indiana and no one around here has tried to raise noble fir yet. But after completing their first season in the ground, they look pretty good so I am optimistic about it.

On the down side, and this is the only reason I cannot give Welker’s five stars, is that I believe he makes some statements that are just plain false. He claims that Sequoiadendron Giganteum (giant Sequoia) will grow in ALL hardiness zone. That is just plain out and out not true. At best they are hardy only to zone 6. There are a couple of very cold hardy strains out there (which are extremely difficult to find) that are hardy to zone 5. But “all zones”? Uh, no.

Also, for pinus jeffreyi, he claims they are hardy in zones 1-9. That is also untrue. I hate to say it but I’m afraid this borders on false advertisement and that might just get him into trouble which if that happens it’d be a shame ‘cause he has a good nursery in other regards.

Regards,
Fred M. Cain,
Topeka, IN

I ordered a giant sequoia last winter and requested that it be shipped in early April to Michigan - it arrived on the exact date I requested. Unfortunately, we got 6 inches of snow that day so I had to wait awhile to plant it, but the company did exactly what I asked.

The tree was packed and secured well in a box with a wooden stake. The root system was dense and healthy, soil moist. The tree is looking great in its new home now.

I really like that their website shows pictures of the exact trees being sold. No surprises once you get your product. Very positive experience.

I love ordering from Welker's nursery and have always gotten good email responses from them. Over a 3 year period I have ordered quite a few trees from their Giant-sequoia.com website. These trees include a giant sequoia, incense cedars, Arizona cypresses, coast and dawn redwoods. The trees do get a little root bound in their tubes and especially in their small pots on an A1 size; however, this is not an issue specific to this nursery as it is a common occurrence regardless of the nursery. It is up to the knowledgeable consumer to untangle and root prune as needed to ensure a healthy tree free of girdling roots. The bigger the tree the more entangled and girdled roots you find which is why tube size trees are so much better to manage and plant.

To the user spouting the nonsense about GMO trees, why go on a rant with zero evidence to back up your unnecessarily hostile treatment of this nursery? You can't even identify a redwood tree yet you're convinced with no proof that Welker's nursery is genetically modifying trees? That kind of thinking is unscientific and the unjustified hostility is unethical.

Posted on March 28, 2015, updated July 9, 2015
gtr1017
Roanoke, VA
(2 reviews)
July 31, 2009

I am replying regarding the post by the above person (see the feed back section). I also ordered 3 Giant Sequoias from Welker's Grove Nursery. The trees arrived in great shape, were packaged nice and tight, and I was very pleased. However, when I prepared to plant them into the ground, I also noticed that the root ball was severely dense. I poked and prodded the root ball looking for new root growth, but I couldn't find any, and since I didn't want to disturb the root mass and risk damaging any living roots, I opted to plant them in one gallon containers with good soil. So far, they seem to be doing well. The reason I am writing this is to agree with the poster in that, yes, the trees did seem to be kept too long in the growing tubes; at least long enough for the outside roots to die. I'm hoping that there are enough living rootlets under all that mass that will grow through it and allow the trees to "take off" this summer. I will post again after summer to let you all know how the trees did. This company seems legit, and my post is also a reminder to let them know that maybe they should check the trees to prevent root-bounding and move them up to a larger growing tube as needed. Peace.

Ordered 3 Noble Fir (Abies Procera) seedlings. Trees were shipped promptly and were as-described (in growing tubes and within size range). Arrived in good condition. Shipping tracking information was provided.

I have purchased Giant Sequoia and Coast Redwoods from this company. All arrived healthy, large, and in excellent shape.

Very happy with my purchases and they have very competitive prices. Also I made a mistake on my order and they were quick to help me fix the mistake.