Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please search below or contact us with further questions.
Our customers have great questions! We’ve compiled (and continue to) a list of the most common questions below. Please search this database first. If you still have questions, contact us.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: We appreciate it when folks call ahead to make an appointment, but it’s not necessary if you come during the week. Our hours are M-F, 9am – 5pm. Saturdays we are open by appointment only. We are closed on Sundays.
Q: Is your nursery open to the public?
A: Yes, we welcome homeowners. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays (by appointment only). We are closed on Sundays. Click here for directions.
Q: Can I buy a tree and plant it myself?
A: Yes! We can load most of our smaller trees into your pick-up or trailer, so you can plant them yourself. We have easy-to-follow, step-by-step planting instructions to help you.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Q: Does Big Trees Today offer a warranty?
A: Yes. For over 30 years, Big Trees Today has provided a generous one-year limited warranty on every tree sold and planted by Big Trees Today.
Q: What if I have a tree or stump where I want to plant a new tree?
A: We can generally dig and remove stumps from three to 12 inches in diameter if we are planting a large new tree in the same spot. Notify us at the time of purchase and we can advise you on the best way to remove and dispose of your stump.
Q: When is the best time to plant my tree?
A: While we always enjoy a thriving tree the most during the summer months, the best time to plant one is in the fall or winter. While gardening centers always put out big displays in the springtime to increase their sales, at Big Trees Today, we encourage buyers to visit us for their trees between October and May for optimal planting success. For convenience, it’s easiest to dig a hole before the ground has completely frozen.
The reason fall, winter, or early spring is best suited to planting is that a freshly transplanted, and thus more vulnerable, tree is at lower risk of drought or harsh sun damage. Cooler temperatures also encourage root growth, which is important for a transplanted tree to thrive in its new home. Depending on the exact variety of tree, our team can suggest an even more specific time window for ideal planting.
That said, we know that sometimes your needs don’t always align with the seasons. We can also dig and plant trees throughout the summer months, as well as provide tips to help you nurture the tree anytime of year.
Q: What varieties of trees do you have?
A: We field grow about 200 varieties of shade flowering and evergreen trees. To learn the advantages of field growing, see our BTT quality difference page. Our smallest trees are larger than trees you would find at a garden center. Our shade trees start at about 15 feet tall and our evergreens start at about 10 feet tall.
Q: What are shade trees?
A: Shade trees provide a beautiful way to make a house feel like home for generations or make a business seem inviting and warm. Oaks, elms, maples, and beeches are all types of shade trees, although the full list is even longer and includes trees that could mature to 50 feet in height and nearly as wide in diameter. These types of shade trees are well suited for an early spring planting, and our team can help you match the right tree to the right location on your property to maximize both the health of the tree and the benefits to you and your property. Visit the Shade Trees page in our Tree Gallery to see examples!
Q: What are the benefits of shade trees?
A: A mature, spreading shade tree is a beautiful legacy to leave on your property for both human guests and wildlife that thrive in its branches. But there are also great practical benefits to planting large shade trees on residential or commercial property.
The natural curb appeal of a mature tree that changes throughout all four seasons can have a real impact on your property value, boosting it by up to 20 percent. Of course, even if you don’t move or plan to stay for many more years, you’ll enjoy the benefit of a shady spot to sit, entertain, or garden daily.
Most importantly, a shade tree planted strategically in relation to your home acts as a natural form of insulation, cutting down on both your heating and cooling bills by up to 25 percent. Protecting your home from direct exposure to the elements will make a noticeable impact on the consistency and comfort level of the temperature inside.
Q: What are privacy trees?
A: Privacy trees have thick, usually evergreen foliage and low-spreading branches to give property owners a natural screen from unwanted viewers on the road or in the neighborhood. They can also dampen noise, wind, and exposure to harsh sunlight while naturally improving air-quality.