Frequently Asked Questions

A bare root plant is a dormant tree, shrub, or perennial that has been dug from the nursery field during winter with the soil removed from its roots. They look like a bundle of sticks with exposed roots, but they're typically 1-3 years old and packed with potential. We wrap them in moist material to keep roots healthy until you're ready to plant.

In the Puyallup Valley, bare root season runs from late November through early March—while plants are fully dormant. February is the sweet spot for planting here, as our winter rains help settle roots before the dry summer. Our fresh stock typically arrives in January-February.

Bare root plants cost significantly less because they don't require pots, potting soil, or the labor to maintain them in containers. They're also lighter to ship. At Todd's, we sell bare root plants for about 25% of the price of the same variety in a pot—major savings if you're planting multiple trees or filling an orchard.

The key is keeping roots moist! When you get home, unwrap and soak the roots in a bucket of plain water for 2-4 hours (overnight is even better). If you can't plant within a day or two, 'heel them in' by digging a shallow trench, laying the roots in, and covering with moist soil or mulch. Never let the roots dry out.

No—bare root plants can only be planted while dormant (late fall through early spring). Once they leaf out, bare roots will die if planted. If you miss bare root season, we have the same varieties available in pots year-round, though at a higher price point.

Yes! Like all our hardy nursery stock, bare root plants are guaranteed for 6 months when planted properly and maintained with adequate water. Keep your receipt—it's required for any warranty claims. Refunds are issued as store credit.

We carry a wide selection including fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots), blueberries, flowering trees (ornamental cherries, dogwoods, crabapples), shade trees (maples, willows, katsura), and shrubs (hydrangeas, lilacs, dogwood shrubs). Inventory changes daily—call ahead or visit to see what's in stock.

Plant with the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) at or slightly above soil level—never bury it. A common mistake is planting too deep. Make a small mound in your hole, spread roots over it like octopus legs, and backfill with native soil. Our Puyallup winter rains will settle it in nicely.

We take great pride in supplying trees and shrubs of exceptional quality. When planted properly, hardy nursery stock is guaranteed for 6 months, provided it has been properly watered and maintained. Warranty claims must be made within 6 months of purchase. Original receipt is required along with the deceased plant itself or a picture of it. If evidence of improper watering exists, we may refuse to issue a credit. Refunds are in the form of store credit—no cash refunds. Note: There is no guarantee on Tropical Plants, Emerald Green Arborvitae, or Sub Alpine Trees. Sale or clearance items are not guaranteed. Certain problems not covered include: lack of water, salt/insect/animal damage, or extreme frost/heat/weather.

Refunds are in the form of store credit only. No cash refunds! Once a plant leaves the nursery, we cannot accept returns. Always keep your receipt.

We are unable to accept returns or exchanges on plants that have left the nursery. Hard goods can be returned undamaged. Custom hard goods (cut liner, cut tubing, etc.) and fountain rocks incur a 40% restocking fee upon return. Bulk goods cannot be returned.

Sure! After a plant is purchased, we're happy to take care of it for up to 48 hours. After that, it must be picked up by you or your landscaper.

You sure can! We offer a 24-hour hold on plants that haven't yet been paid for.

Yes! We deliver to local areas within our service region. The delivery fee for a 1-man local delivery is $100, a 2-man local delivery is $200, and a 3-man delivery is $300. Delivery rates for deliveries that require more than two people, equipment, or that are outside of our local service areas are determined by authorized personnel.

Absolutely! We're happy to take your order and payment over the phone. One of our expert staff members will hand-pick the plants you request and tag them with your name, ready for pickup at your desired arrival time (within 90 days of purchase).

If you're looking for a plant that we don't currently sell or have in stock, we'll take down your name and contact information and try our very best to find the plant you're looking for.

Yes! We're happy to make a custom planter for you. You may bring a pot you already own or purchase one of ours and we'll happily help you fill it!

Yes! We carry bulk goods such as topsoil, compost, sand, drain rock, washed rock, crushed rock, river rock, and beautiful imported Montana Rainbow Rock. We also offer grass seed and more.

You bet! We offer gift cards all year round—perfect for the plant lover in your life.

Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball but no deeper. Mix compost with soil at a 1:2 ratio (one part compost to two parts soil) and add an all-purpose fertilizer. Cut any strings at the top of the burlap bag and fold the burlap away from the trunk so the top third of the root ball is visible—do not remove the burlap, as it keeps feeder roots intact. Plant with one quarter of the root ball above ground level and three quarters below. Build a water well to ensure deep watering. Water well for the first two years—don't rely on sprinklers or rain until the plant is established (approximately 2 years).

Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself.

Absolutely! Our landscaping design and installation staff enjoy helping customers find the right plants that best suit their aesthetic and lifestyle. We'll take all the time you need to feel confident in caring for your new plants. Whether you're an expert gardener looking for a challenge, or a total plant newbie, we've got you covered.

Landscaping costs vary based on scope and complexity. Most of our projects range from $15,000 to $25,000 and take roughly 3-5 days. On average, about $5,000 worth of project scope is completed each workday. We provide detailed, itemized estimates so you know exactly what you're paying for. Visit our Landscaping Pricing page for more information.

Several factors influence pricing: the size of the area, complexity of the design, materials selected (pavers, plants, stone), site preparation needs (grading, drainage, demolition), accessibility, and the specific features you want (patios, retaining walls, irrigation, lighting, water features). We break all of this down in your detailed estimate.

After we visit your property, we request 2-5 working days to put together a detailed, itemized bid for your project.

As a full-service provider, Todd's helps with the entire process from initial design through impeccable installation. This includes choosing specific plants along with a large assortment of components: irrigation, patios, walkways, water features, planting beds, lawns, drainage work, retaining walls, and more.

Timelines depend on size and complexity. Most of our projects ($15,000-$25,000) take roughly 3-5 days. Figure on average $5,000 worth of project scope is completed each workday. We'll give you a specific timeline estimate after assessing your project.

Our schedule varies based on current workload and supply chains. Give us a call or use our contact form and we'll let you know what our lead times currently look like.

Our nursery team doesn't offer planting services. However, if you're looking for a full yard makeover, our Landscape Design & Installation team would be thrilled to help you make the gardens of your dreams a reality.

No, we do not offer ongoing maintenance services. We focus on design and installation to ensure the highest quality work.

Getting started is easy! Call us at (253) 841-3280 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free Discovery Call. We'll discuss your vision, answer questions, and determine if we're a good fit. If so, we'll schedule an on-site consultation at your home (typically 45-60 minutes) at no extra cost.

We proudly serve the Puyallup Valley region including Puyallup, South Hill, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Graham, Tacoma, Orting, Lake Tapps, Prairie Ridge, Prairie Heights, and surrounding communities. Visit our Service Areas page for more details.

Todd's Nursery is a full-service nursery specializing in outdoor plants (trees & shrubs), water features, as well as landscape design and installation. We have a large selection of plants, pond & fountain supplies, bonsai & fairy garden materials, and bulk goods.