Was he trying to sell it to you as a pot grown tree? Perhaps there was some misunderstanding more than a deception. I have noticed that they can be sold as a bare root version and a root balled. Both of which can be potted up. (Pot grown aside). There are various web sites which supply both of these options. This information is pretty standard text on several sites so I feel is okay to copy basic bits without a link as such. And not advertising for them.
It is the definitions that might help you decide gardeninglily1 Bareroot. These are trees which have been extracted with their roots. This is
usually only possible with smaller trees. The small roots break off
and no soil comes with the larger root system. They should be freshly
harvested. It is best to soak the roots in water before potting the tree
in moist earth. The earth should be kept moist. These trees will last
longer if they are kept away from direct heat when they are brought
indoors.
There is a slight chance that these trees will survive if
planted out after Christmas. They should be watered very well.
Rootballed: Are trees that have been prepared so that they can be dug up
with minimal disturbance to earth around the root system. Earth is
retained by wrapping the roots in sacking. The roots
should be kept damp and the trees, having had the sacking removed,
should be potted in moist earth. These trees should remain fresh, retain
their needles, and have a reasonable chance of survival if planted out
after Christmas.
Just thought considering the price you paid and the photos, it might be a bare root.
Best Xmas tree I've ever had, the Nordmann fir at the end of my garden. Been there ever since I moved here 20 years ago, almost 20 metres high, free, no need for recycling, will probably still be there after I've gone. What more can you ask for?
Rubytoo - clearly it's not a pot grown tree, it's been a bare root shoved in a small pot, but the fact the man was cagey about the watering instructions [ ie - don't open it up etc] suggests he was being 'economical with the truth'. The least he should have done was to say - 'it's a bare root, water it well and put it into a decent sized pot with of soil for it to grow on'. If he was selling that as a pot grown specimen, he's being misleading as it clearly isn't one. 40 quid seems a lot for a bare root, but maybe that's the going rate. I'd still be asking for clarification about what you were actually paying for, g'lily.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sorry @ Fairygirl I looked like a pedantic loon yesterdays post. I took a long time to compose it, got called away, left it sitting, tidied it, and repeat. Posted without checking. You and Gardeninglily1 had posted since. Drafts is wonderful, especially if you are slow like me I do get it/agree he may have been Gilding the Lily. Hope that gardeninglily1 gets it sorted.
@Papi Jo That is a lovely tree, but how do you get the fairy on top?
Gorgeous specimen @Papi Jo I’ve sent an email with pic just explaining what I was told and asked if they have any comments as I do feel misled that they told me it would continue to grow every year. I must admit the root is worse than I thought. Worse than losing £40 I feel upset that so many of these beautiful trees are hacked down to just be thrown away after Xmas. I’ve put it in a bucket of water for a few hours and will then plant it. Fingers crossed but I think I’ve learnt a few lessons on this one.
Gilding the Lily - very good Ruby! No need to apologise or anything. I do the same myself with the drafts. I did it this morning in fact
I have indeed got wings - and they get me into all sorts of places. It's getting back out that's the problem.... It does look a bit cr*p g'lily. Give it a go and see if it thrives. It probably will, but I think you were treated badly there. Re the cutting of trees for C'mas - they're a commodity like many other things. They're grown as a crop. Wouldn't exist here inthe UK if there wasn't a market, and they keep lots of people in jobs, so don't feel guilty in any way. It's a big industry up here in Scotland, as a lot of land isn't suitable for much else, and it's perfect for those
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thank you everyone - you have all been really supportive and given me lots of advice (and made me jealous Papi joe) at a time when I could kick myself for being so daft. I had read about seed grown/pot grown etc but like I said my heart ruled my head 🤣 Anyway my email pinged back from the garden centre so I rang to ask for an email address and ended up speaking to the owner who was very nice and told me to return the tree for a full refund if I wasn’t happy. I don’t think I will return it. I’ve got it in some water and in a couple of hours I will sprinkle the roots with mycorrhizal powder (good idea???). I’ll pot it back up in its original sandy soil mixed with some garden soil and hope for the best. I’m going to save that tree haha
Posts
It should be ok, but it doesn't matter. You were clearly misled.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Perhaps there was some misunderstanding more than a deception.
I have noticed that they can be sold as a bare root version and a root balled. Both of which can be potted up. (Pot grown aside).
There are various web sites which supply both of these options.
This information is pretty standard text on several sites so I feel is okay to copy basic bits without a link as such. And not advertising for them.
It is the definitions that might help you decide gardeninglily1
Bareroot.
These are trees which have been extracted with their roots. This is usually only possible with smaller trees. The small roots break off and no soil comes with the larger root system. They should be freshly harvested. It is best to soak the roots in water before potting the tree in moist earth. The earth should be kept moist. These trees will last longer if they are kept away from direct heat when they are brought indoors.
There is a slight chance that these trees will survive if planted out after Christmas. They should be watered very well.
Rootballed:
Are trees that have been prepared so that they can be dug up with minimal disturbance to earth around the root system. Earth is retained by wrapping the roots in sacking. The roots should be kept damp and the trees, having had the sacking removed, should be potted in moist earth. These trees should remain fresh, retain their needles, and have a reasonable chance of survival if planted out after Christmas.
Just thought considering the price you paid and the photos, it might be a bare root.
The least he should have done was to say - 'it's a bare root, water it well and put it into a decent sized pot with of soil for it to grow on'. If he was selling that as a pot grown specimen, he's being misleading as it clearly isn't one.
40 quid seems a lot for a bare root, but maybe that's the going rate.
I'd still be asking for clarification about what you were actually paying for, g'lily.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You and Gardeninglily1 had posted since.
Drafts is wonderful, especially if you are slow like me
I do get it/agree he may have been Gilding the Lily.
Hope that gardeninglily1 gets it sorted.
@Papi Jo That is a lovely tree, but how do you get the fairy on top?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I’ve sent an email with pic just explaining what I was told and asked if they have any comments as I do feel misled that they told me it would continue to grow every year. I must admit the root is worse than I thought. Worse than losing £40 I feel upset that so many of these beautiful trees are hacked down to just be thrown away after Xmas. I’ve put it in a bucket of water for a few hours and will then plant it. Fingers crossed but I think I’ve learnt a few lessons on this one.
No need to apologise or anything. I do the same myself with the drafts. I did it this morning in fact
I have indeed got wings - and they get me into all sorts of places. It's getting back out that's the problem....
It does look a bit cr*p g'lily.
Re the cutting of trees for C'mas - they're a commodity like many other things. They're grown as a crop. Wouldn't exist here inthe UK if there wasn't a market, and they keep lots of people in jobs, so don't feel guilty in any way.
It's a big industry up here in Scotland, as a lot of land isn't suitable for much else, and it's perfect for those
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...