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dyrne

Inexpensive online bare root tree source?

7 years ago

Well I just discovered that the short plastic tree tubes I used over the winter were not effective and field mice (I'm guessing) have girdled all of my apple trees. I'd like to re-plant a portion this spring before it gets too late in the year but replacing them all will be a longer term project. Can anyone recommend a fairly inexpensive source for semi-dwarf apple varieties maybe purchased a dozen at a time?

Comments (10)

  • 7 years ago

    I’d add these guys they carry Dave Wilson trees https://www.groworganic.com/fruit-nut-trees/bareroot-trees.html

  • 7 years ago

    Hidden Springs Nursery has fantastic reviews and extremely good prices.

    http://www.hiddenspringsnursery.com/plants.php#apples

  • 7 years ago

    Isn't it getting kinda late in the season for bare root trees? If local fruit trees are starting to bud up, flower or otherwise emerge from dormancy, you may be pushing the window.

  • 7 years ago

    My favorite is Schlabach Nursery in upstate New York. Great stock and reasonably priced. David has apples on many different rootstocks. Best to call him and find out what is left this time of year and on what rootstock. My order was shipped out this week and I added to it two weeks ago (he still had some apples left at that time).

    Sorry, being Amish they do not use the internet. You can call for availability and on what rootstock but then you have to mail your order in and pay by check. 585-798-6198.

  • 7 years ago

    Musserforests in north-central PA: http://musserforests.com/

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    ---Isn't it getting kinda late in the season for bare root trees?

    Yeah Stark and a few others refrigerate to provide them year round but the cost for non-wholesale amounts can be pretty high. I was thinking of ordering some scionwood and trying to root them. The downside (assuming I'm able to root it and it isn't a waste) is I guess that the performance of each tree isn't known. Does this seem like a waste of time? I don't really mind having standard size trees at this point.

  • 7 years ago

    I'm thinking if you're willing to graft that you order rootstock and graft scions from the trees you have. Most suppliers of rootstocks have either run out or quit shipping for the season. One possible source is Copenhaven Farms. But the biggest rootstock they have left is M7 in thinner diameters and EMLA 106 in 3/8" diameter. Both are semi-dwarfs.

    If the scions off your own trees don't make it the root will probably live till next year. You're better ordering in January than now.

    Your rootstock should match in diameter at the graft site, which would be easier for you since your cutting scions off your own trees. If you were say ordering 3/8" diameter use a 3/8 wrench and cut your scions below the point where you measure 3/8".

  • 7 years ago

    I wouldn't recommend 1/8" diameter scions or rootstocks. And the wrench should be an adjustable crescent wrench.

    I just did some grafts today on very small diameter scions from the USDA site. If your doing a whip and tongue graft they're too small to cut the tongue. There just isn't enough wood.

    The rootstocks should be pencil diameter or so.

  • 7 years ago

    You can also check Etsy or eBay for some of the best deals! I've actually found some of the best on Etsy (as far as plants)...