Selling Trees and Tree Prices

[jk_lewis]

I don't really care how people acquire bonsai (as long as it is legal, of course), but I do want to warn buyers of on-line trees, that WYSIWYG does not apply: what you see is almost always NOT WHAT YOU GET.

 

[Cypress187]

I don't have much money so everything i have was free/collected or under $15, and planted in catlitter ofcourse.

 

[Zach Smith]

I sell online, and what you see is ALWAYS what you get. Individual trees individually photographed, with updates over time. And I know of others out there who do the same. Can't vouch for the rest.

Zach

 

[M. Frary]

I sell online, and what you see is ALWAYS what you get. Individual trees individually photographed, with updates over time. And I know of others out there who do the same. Can't vouch for the rest.

Zach

I can vouch for that. I got one of Zach's trees a year ago December. Great service,great tree and a really great guy.
That hawthorn is still frozen to the ground Zach. But when I get it out and start work I'll post new pictures.

 

[coh]

I've purchased a number of trees on-line, including a couple from people here at bnut. While I've never been deceived, and have been satisfied with most of my acquisitions, I do have to say that pictures don't always tell the whole story. There are some things you just can't tell about a tree until you see it in person.

I will say this, though - if you're considering an on-line purchase and feel like you need to see more pictures of the tree from other angles, don't hesitate to ask. And if the seller balks...walk away.

 

[M. Frary]

The pictures of the tree I got from Zach didn't do it justice. The actual tree was waaay better in person.

 

[Zach Smith]

The pictures of the tree I got from Zach didn't do it justice. The actual tree was waaay better in person.

Thank you, Mike. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

Zach

 

[Paradox]

I have purchased a few trees online. They were always the trees in the picture, not a substitute. The only thing that threw me was for one in particular, the picture made it look much bigger.

I am still waiting to see my last online purchase. I bought a Brazilian rain tree. It is still in Florida waiting for the temperature to warm up here. I spoke to the seller who said the pictures dont do it justice. I am cautiously optimistic. I predict it will show up in May.

 

[Ron Dennis]

I sell online, and what you see is ALWAYS what you get. Individual trees individually photographed, with updates over time. And I know of others out there who do the same. Can't vouch for the rest.

Zach

I have purchased a BC from Zach and it was everything plus some that the photo offered. By the way, Zach, I am trying to settle on a date I can come to SF and spend the day. There is so much going on right now it has been a challenge.
I also bought (not online) a Chinese elm from Zach and this is one of my favorite trees.

 

[Zach Smith]

I have purchased a BC from Zach and it was everything plus some that the photo offered. By the way, Zach, I am trying to settle on a date I can come to SF and spend the day. There is so much going on right now it has been a challenge.
I also bought (not online) a Chinese elm from Zach and this is one of my favorite trees.

Thanks, Ron. My April has gotten away from me, but I figure the weather should still be pretty agreeable in May. Just let me know. Plenty of new growth to wire or whack.

 

[Potawatomi13]

This is the age old debate, and there is no wrong answer, as has been stated already in this thread.

The real question is: why do you do it? You can buy trees in any state of development and you can collect trees from yards or nature. It all comes at a cost, in time and/or money. Why you do it will determine the cost you are willing to incur.

And added to all of these is another factor: How does the tree make you FEEL or what do you want to FEEL from the tree? Does the tree make you feel respect and the strong willingness to handle it with the greatest care and patience you are capable of? Or does it just tell you you don't have the patience to do what's needed for development because it just needs too much. I see these as the difference between a 300 year old mountain collected yamadori or a 15 year old nursery tree that has little promise but a low price. Very young trees that we can shape to our every whim right from the beginning only need time and patience to become a beautiful show quality tree. The Yamadori from the mountain which has been tortured, beaten and shaped by sun, cold, wind, falling rocks, etc for many years will cost more but just mainly needs development of the foliage and the roots for a much shorter period of time to go with the gorgeous God created trunk movement, bark, dead wood cracked and checked by YEARS of exposure. If I have the wisdom, care and humility to be just a little patient I will have a far more valuable and prized tree than anything I could ever develop in a mere 40-60 years from scratch. The one caveat I would add is that until one has the green thumb instinctive plant survival skills to keep the "easy" trees alive and healthy one should never take on the responsibility of the life of a beautiful and old Yamadori tree.

 

[Potawatomi13]

I don't really care how people acquire bonsai (as long as it is legal, of course), but I do want to warn buyers of on-line trees, that WYSIWYG does not apply: what you see is almost always NOT WHAT YOU GET.

However there really are several reliable and reputable sellers out there if you know where to shop.

 

[jk_lewis]

However there really are several reliable and reputable sellers out there if you know where to shop.

I'm sure there are. I'm also sure that there are many more unscrupulous sellers out there. Besides it is better to see and handle the tree before you buy.