I received my order from Burnt Ridge a few days ago, and generally everything was pretty well packed. Everything came through fine except for a persimmon tree, which had damage to its root system. I emailed photos and asked them to replace the tree and didn't hear back from them for 3 or 4 days. I then called. They said I should just plant the tree, and that this type of damage usually heals just fine.

Is this their experience talking, or should I insist on a refund or new tree? They say they're out of persimmons anyway, so replacing it may not be an option.

Other than this, I've been very happy with Burnt Ridge. I was just hoping to get a second opinion from someone who doesn't have a financial stake in the answer.

I'd say the root is 1/3 to 1/2 of the way severed, although it does fold back into position.

I am sure you sent first class money for the tree, so why do they give you a third rate tree? Did you ask for their most damaged stock?

That damage looks old, not new. Whoever packed it should have noticed it and held it back for either a discount sale or to be grown by the nursery itself for a season.

This is not the PR that Burnt Ridge needs if they are trying to build buyer confidence. Sure they will replace if it dies, but that will cost you a year.

Perhaps they would like to send you a "freebie" plant for you trouble?

They sent my a dead plant in 2009, just got the replacement a week recently. I am behind a year on that.

You can probably get the thing to live and grow out of it. Maybe apply some duct tape for the first year to keep dirt out of the wound. A heavy metal fencepost or rebar for support looks like a good idea too.

Show them this thread!

I agree with plumfun… ugly and non-professional. If that breaks below the graft it may ‘heal’ underground, but that’s not your chance to take, unless they gave you the tree… Actually, those roots look severed, with few fine ‘rootlets.’ It looks like it’s been sheered to fit a pot, grown (and possibly abused) for a year and sold to you.

I’d demand a refund, and if that’s their ‘last persimmon’ (likely the reason you got it) I’d shop elsewhere for another.

I agree. Unacceptable. Although I have had mostly good luck with Burnt Ridge, I have encountered them just saying "I don't see how that's my fault" when their plant died quickly although it was well watered.
Even if it's their last one, they should send the money back. If you want to try to grow it you can, though.
John S
PDX OR