Highland Gardens — Attraction in Lower Allen

I've shopped at Highland Gardens for a few years, and always thought they had an excellent selection of trees and shrubs. However, I bought a pine tree in the fall of 2023, which I planted at my home. Planting balled and burlapped trees helps ensure a stable transition for healthy growth. I took care of the tree all through the summer of '24, but it started to deteriorate. By end of summer, the tree was dead. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that I dug it out to replace the tree.

The burlap had disintegrated, and after getting it out of the ground, I washed off the soil to dispose of the stump. What I found was that the leader roots had been severed to bag and burlap the tree. [see photos]

The tree had NO chance of surviving. It simply died a slow death because it did not have adequate roots to grow.

While I had trusted Highland for high quality plants, and a great selection, I am HIGHLY disappointed.

I also point out that while other garden centers, like Stauffer's and Aschomb offer a full price 1 year guaranty, Highland offers only a 6 month guaranty, with a half-cost credit.

I have lost trust in Highland's nursery stock.

When I sent pictures of the severed roots to Highland, they said they would check with their supplier. And that was that.

I suggest being very careful when buying a B&B tree at Highland. You could get burned.

Below, I am commenting to the response from Highland Gardens.

I think the response, suggesting simply that I killed the tree is as insulting as their characterized my review as insulting. I am relaying my experience with the purchase.

This is the first tree I've planted (out of 8) that have died. Others are thriving and growing.

A tree does not die overnight. It did not completely die immediately. Neither did it grow. It S-L-O-W-L-Y deteriorated over the season, despite care in planting, and proper watering.

You seem satisfied with your guaranty policy. I am not. Which is why I will shop for a replacement tree elsewhere.

I've enjoyed shopping at HG. This is my first and only bad experience. But I do believe the tree was left with inadequate roots to survive, no matter what care was...

My husband and I traveled from over 2 hours. Originally we were in the area and thought we'd stop at a couple garden centers because we enjoy looking. When we saw the trees, we had to get a couple! I've been to many garden centers, and I have never seen such healthy plants! The flowering plants were even still in bloom, which at this time most places the flowers are dried up. Since we originally were in a small car we had to go back for the trees, but the traveling was well worth it in my opinion - the plants were beautiful and healthy, and the staff was so incredibly friendly. Robert was very knowledgeable and helpful! The prices are a bit higher than what I've seen, but the health of the plants was worth it. There's also a good variety, which I would assume would be even better in spring (we went just before fall). We will definitely be back. We purchased a redpointe maple and a dawn redwood. I wish I could get a better photo of the beautiful red hue of the maple, but it was too sunny. Thank you Robert and the team! The trees traveled well, and we will be returning in...

I read that Highland Gardens had cool succulents, cacti, & houseplants, so I was excited to visit for the first time today. As one of only 2 customers in the store, I passed by 6 uniformed employees -- multiple times, for the 3 hanging out by the register -- without a single smile, greeting, or anyone asking if they could help me. Eventually I found the houseplants at the back. I fell in love with a banana croton, two unique cacti, a tradescantia tricolor and a GORGEOUS hanging tradescantia burgundy. I was all set for the $70+ purchase, but then it hit me: with so many places to shop, why spend my money where the staff can't even say hello? I walked out, went to Stauffers, and spent my money there. (They greeted me at the door, as always.)

Three stars for Highland Gardens' selection. FWIW: I didn't think the prices were too high (as other reviewers have noted), considering the good quality and condition of the plants. But service is important! Maybe I'll try again...