I'll probably get slammed for this, but I ordered the 10 free trees, and was extremely disappointed with the quality. They were sticks, some smaller than sticks, with barely any roots. Of the ten 'trees' only four survived despite much care on my part. I will not order from Arbor Day again. I ordered from Nurserymen.com and was very pleased with the hemlock, Norway Spruce, and eastern red cedar I received, and their prices on these conifers were less expensive (with good roots) than Arbor Day's prices.

I hear what you're saying; and I certainly don't expect half-grown trees to come in the mail, they are clear about that. I guess I just have high hopes and will be happy to give it a try. And the $10 membership fee toward getting more trees planted is worth it. I figure the free trees are extra, and all of them are recommended for bird habitats, so whichever ones I can succeed with, great!

There seems to be mixed feelings about the trees from the NADF. I received the 10 free trees in Spring 2006, and about half died. The 2 Redbuds did the best - I transplanted them to their permanent spots this past Spring, and they were both about 5 feet tall.

An excellent source for inexpensive tree/shrub seedlings is the New Hampshire state nursery. They sell seedlings in bundles of 10 for $10 ($1 apiece). They have a Songbird/wildlife package. I ordered from them in 07 & 08, all native tree/shrubs that make berries for the birds. The seedlings are very healty, with robust root systems, and I've lost very few.

The Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) have been the fastest growers and were the first to bloom - quite abundantly this year. The fruit is ripening now, and the birds are all over them. So far I'ved observed House Finches, Warblers, Catbirds, Robins, and yesterday they were several Cedar Waxwings on them!

Here is a link that might be useful: NH State nursery

I reup my Arborday membership every year in addition to purchasing additional trees. Out of an order of 60, almost every one died. Since I paid several hundred dollars for the order, I called about their replacement policy. They offered to replace them & I instructed them to ship in the spring rather than their determined "best time" in winter. The last time I used their "best time", I had to chip through the ice to plant-small wonder they died. I'll see how the replacement trees fare.

They are very small trees and will have to spend at least a full year in a nursery bed before transplanting to large pots before planting into the landscape. I do believe in their mission and will continue to support them.

Linda

Thank you for responding, folks. Guess I may be a bit naive. I do appreciate your thoughts and experience with the trees. I will adjust my expectations accordingly!
And maybe plant a tree or two this fall.