Transporting potted tree across border

11 years ago

Hi, I'm looking for some advice and/or shared experience on driving into Canada from the US with potted trees.

I would like to order a pagoda dogwood from a US nursery, have it shipped to a broker near the border, and drive back into Canada with the tree. I live in BC near Vancouver.

I have read some confusing info on what I might need for this plan: some sources say I would need a phytosanitary certificate, others say that it is not required if I am transporting the tree myself by car. AFAIK, these are the various things I could do:

- Have the source nursery arrange the certificate. I want to order this tree, and that nursery will charge $100 USD for the cert...bit steep but considering the local prices I am seeing for small dogwoods, I'd consider it.

- Arrange the certificate myself, if that is cheaper - where and how?

- Confirm that I do not need any certificate for self-transport - again, how?

- Get a local nursery to order the tree for me, hoping they can share their certificate deal with me - who might do this? I have contacted some local nurseries about this particular tree and none have mentioned any special order option beyond subscribing for notifications should the tree appear in their regular stock.

Anyone have any thoughts / cautions / recommendations?

thanks!

Featured Answer

aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada

11 years ago

I've done a bit of importing from the states but it's been awhile, your best bet is to contact your local Dept. of Agriculture as to what you will actually need, I'm thinking you'll need a phytosanitary certificate for sure and depending on what you are importing possibly a import permit. I'm also thinking your tree will have to be inspected by the plant inspection branch here in Canada before they'll let it through. I know some plants, tubers etc. only need a phyto, but they still have to be inspected before they're released. Your best bet is to contact the Dept. of Agriculture plant inspection branch, tell them what you want to import. They in turn will let you know what paperwork you'll need and how to go about it, I know this is a bit of a hassle but if you want things to go to go smoothly, this is the only way to go, hope this helps.

Just a thought, I don't know if they are closed for the season but http://www.brentwoodbaynurseries.com/trees.php in Saanich on Vancouver Island have kousa dogwoods listed, if they have what you want it would be a lot easier and cheaper, it might be worth it to give them a call.

Annette

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Comments (11)

ianna
11 years ago
I know that you won't be able to bring across soil..
teuth thanked ianna
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teuth
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the responses!

Do either of you know if the soil would be allowed after phytosanitary inspection? Or would I have to somehow get a small tree down to bare roots?
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
11 years ago
I'm not sure about that, I doubt it tho... maybe a soilless mix would be allowed. I have imported fuchsias in soilless mixes without a problem but I still had to have that phyto.
teuth thanked aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Soil is allowed but only if coming from the continental US (some possible state restrictions).

Annette is quite correct - Phytosanitary Certificate and an Import Permit are required.

This link will be helpful but mind boggling too, lol!. Requirements

p.s. Great looking variety. Perhaps it will be available come spring in Canadian nurseries.
teuth thanked peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
ianna
10 years ago
so all these trouble and expense for a pagoda dogwood? Why can't you locate one more locally?
teuth
Original Author
10 years ago
I like this variety, ianna. If it was offered locally, I would buy it.
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
10 years ago
Which variety? If we knew maybe we can hunt down a source in Canada for you, so much easier than dealing with all the red tape.
teuth
Original Author
10 years ago
"Gold Bullion" pagoda dogwood: http://www.songsparrow.com/catalog/plantdetails.cfm?ID=198&type=WOODY,&pagetype=plantdetails&plant_name=Cornus%20alternifolia%20Gold%20Bullion

Spring's a long way off and of course I have other options...but I'm sort of obsessed with this tree!
Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
10 years ago
Why don't you ask them if their wholesale division has customers (nurseries) on the Island or Lower Mainland and then order it through them?
User
10 years ago
Hi teuth(danger)

I have included a link to the Canadian Inspection Agency. Use the automated link at the bottom of the first page, then type in dogwood , just keep following the instructions. It is simple, they step you thru it and even are specific as to what state you are importing from and what province the plant is going to and whether you are importing it bare root, with soil, or just cuttings.

I typed in dogwood went thru the steps and there are specific Phytosanitary requirements for these trees especially if they are shipped with soil. The certificate has to be issued by the state of origin.
Automated Import Reference System

I import plants, but always bare root, as this seems to have less restrictions.

Hope this helps
teuth thanked User