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Inexpensive online bare root tree source?

dyrne zone 6b KY

5 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?

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sah67 (zone 5b - NY)

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I'm a bit biased because they're not far from me, but Cummins Nursery here in the Finger Lakes has an excellent reputation and huge variety of high-quality bare-root trees. Although this late in the season, they may be sold out of a lot of the popular varieties:

https://shop.cumminsnursery.com/

Other highly-regarded sources for bare-root that are frequently recommended by home orchardists and fruit enthusiasts:

Fedco (Unfortunately, I believe they're done shipping for spring): https://www.fedcoseeds.com/trees/

Trees of Antiquity: https://www.treesofantiquity.com/

Adams County Nursery: https://www.acnursery.com/

Grandpa's Orchard: https://www.grandpasorchard.com/Our-Fruit-Trees

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Comments (10)

Kevin Reilly
5 years ago
I’d add these guys they carry Dave Wilson trees https://www.groworganic.com/fruit-nut-trees/bareroot-trees.html
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I place bare root tree orders a year in advance or as soon as they will accept orders. It's the only way to guarantee I will get what I need. And even then they still usually short me on some varieties. Allocations are done mid-summer and by September some trees will already be sold out for the following spring. There is Donald Wyman bare root still available but your local nursery must not buy from these sources. Can you switch to a different white flowering crab? Have you asked the nursery which other ones they carry?
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Allen
5 years ago
Hidden Springs Nursery has fantastic reviews and extremely good prices.

http://www.hiddenspringsnursery.com/plants.php#apples
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 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.
spartanapples
5 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.
bengz6westmd
5 years ago
Musserforests in north-central PA: http://musserforests.com/
dyrne zone 6b KY
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 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.
John D Zn6a PIT Pa
5 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".
John D Zn6a PIT Pa
5 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.
blakrab Centex
5 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)...

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