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On Nov 5, 2009, jujubetexas San Marcos, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:
Communication is a little lacking when it comes to order confirmation. I recommend just calling early on a weekday to confirm for that nice fuzzy warm feeling but sure enough the order was received and shipped fast. One plant was huge, two were normal and one was smallish. One was small but the price was pretty cheap to begin with so no biggie. I would order from them again for sure. Shipping was resonable too.
I'm so glad i found this company. I got my first order from them a few weeks ago and was impressed with what they sent me. I can't wait to order from them again!
On Mar 23, 2009, PinetopPlanter Auburn Four Corners, PA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I love Oikos! I have ordered sporadically over the years from their mail order catalogue (I'm not that familiar with their website; yet), and always enjoy perusing the pages. Ken's dry wit provides a fun read, and I LEARN from his writings, especially about the many varieties of nut trees they offer. Selection on ornamentals vary from year to year, but they always have some interesting offerings.
I can report on seedlings I purchased from them going back ten years or more. I have Hazelnut-Filbert crosses that have done VERY well in our cold, Zone 4 area in the mountains of NE Pennsylvania. They produce yearly, and are very close to the size and shape the catalogue description stated. A "Sweet Idaho Burr Oak" has become a lovely ornamental centerpiece in one part of our multi-acre lawn, and I'm looking forward to Magnolia seedlings (kobus x stellata) blooming for the first time this coming spring. I had no problems with Paw Paws ordered from them, which I hear can be challenging to plant/transplant.
I will be searching for places to fit more of their trees into the landscape in the future! They provide a great service to the nut-growing community, as well as oak-tree lovers, with all of the hybrids and varieties they list.
I ordered chinquapin chestnuts, beach plums, hazelnuts, clove-scented currants, and huckleberry. I was really excited over what was for me a large order (since I usually raise my own plants from seed rather than buy plants). Everything arrived in good order. The currants had a little note attached that said they were dormant but still alive (and they did show signs of life later before going fully dormant again for the winter). I really like the company's commitment to the environment and to good food production. Their website gives tons of information about the various offerings they have (although occasionally info about whether you need a second plant for cross-pollination is absent or unclear). I do agree with one of the negative posters here that they don't always answer questions. I asked a question about the chinquapin chestnuts and got an ambiguous answer; then I emailed to ask another, unrelated question about them and never got an answer. But I figure they're busy and they may not have a lot of time to answer tons of questions, especially very specific, eccentric questions like mine. I look forward excitedly to all the fruit and nuts that I'll be getting in future years.
On Dec 12, 2008, Old_Farmer Rock Cave, WV (Zone 5b) wrote:
I placed an order on Saturday last week and it was received in good order yesterday (Tuesday) of the following week. This company called me Monday morning saying that UPS could not find the address that I provided and I advised that I had been receiving UPS shipments at that address for at least 15 years. Enough for that, UPS found me and the order was well packed and dormant so they were in perfect condition. The cherry trees were as described and have already been planted. Having a small nursery of my own, I could see that they took every effort in providing the best product possible. Its good to say something positive about someone who cares about their product and their customer. I am well pleased with what I received and their effort to make sure it was shipped promptly and to the correct address.
On Oct 25, 2008, Shapeshft Binghamton, NY (Zone 5b) wrote:
I ordered 3 Diospyros virginiana, 1 Aesculus pavia, and 1 Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent.' They all arrived well packed, as described, and in good shape for fall planting. The company had a special going on and so I received fruits of some Diospyros along with the plants, free. Yum!
The company missed filling my order in spring 07, I contacted them wondrering why I never received it and it was then too late to ship. They apologized for their screwup and said they wouild have to ship in fall 07. I said cancel it and i would make a trip their in the fall to pick up some larger trees and maybe different varieties that Ken recommended. ken said he would keep my order for reference. In september 07 my spring order I had cancelled was shipped. I notified them I had cancelled and wasn't planning on coming down until late fall. I agreed to give the plants they shipped a try but expressed my concerns since it was above 80 degrees and the plants were very green. the company told me they would just drop the leaves and grow new leaves. I again called in Spring of 08 and told them there were no signs of buds or leaves. They said wait until Fall and see what happens. I was hesitant but decided I would give them every opportunity. none of my order ever survived but one from a Tennessee company did that was planted at a different time but in the same area. I called this fall and they said they couldn't help me because I waited so long. I explained they screwed up twice and I gave them the benefit of the doubt. The lady said to email them so I did and that was a week ago. I have heard nothing. This has got to be the worst customer service I have ever experineced. I hate to give any one bad feedback but these people simply act like they don't care!
On September 30th, 2008, outdoorsman changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:
Oikos has now contacted me and listened to my comments. They have offered to replace my order or refund which sounds very fair. I was hoping they would see I'm not trying to be difficult but simply wanted every opportunity like I had given them to have things succeed. I simply want my trees replaced and if they are, I would be glad to change my rating to a positive and gain back my initial respect for the company.On October 30th, 2008, outdoorsman changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
The company did eventually contact me. I'm sure they are very busy in the field in the fall. They did replace my order and the trees did look dorrmant this time. I am satisfied thye kept their end of the bargain and did what they could to satisfy me. Thanks
Oikos is one of my favorite companies to deal with. They offer a product line that is unlike anything else on the internet. I have dealt with them for the last two years, most recently ordering three large persimmon trees, and everything has arrived in good shape and has grown superbly. Their customer support is top notch and you are never left wondering about the status of your order. I hate looking at their catalog because I always want to order something.
On Apr 29, 2008, autremike Ludlow, MA (Zone 5b) wrote:
Thanks Ken for your quick same day responses regarding my order - I thought that he forgot to ship my persimmons, but I found them packed perfectly along with my chestnuts. Well packed and excellent quality with quick customer service. One of my favorite companies.
On Apr 14, 2008, paolopietro West Chester, OH wrote:
First time shopper with your company ,, You have being very curtsies and the tree are magnificent. Hope the will be ok. I have planted and I am impress by the size, thank you. Peter Tomaino
I ordered 10 field grown Timburr Chestnuts. Ken shipped me the more expensive container grown, since the ground had allready frozen, at the lower field grown price! Thanks Ken!
I love this place. My first order was great. I asked for some shagbark hickories and some pecans. I ordered 2 of each and b/c some were a little runty they gave me extras. I got 3 shagbarks instead of 2 and 4 pecans...and just to be nice they gave me a free lecont hican too. Great people...and you can tell they are ready to encourage anyone's green thumb. They were also very quick in their delivery. A+!
By the way I planted the trees in October 2007 so this spring will be my first idea of how they fair, but I can tell they are still alive by scratching the bark :)
This has always been a good company to deal with, one of the best as far as customer service. They carry unusual varieties of many native plants that you won't find elsewhere. Also one of the funniest catalogs around, with comments like "this plant is so tasty, I caught my 80 year old neighbor climbing the fence to get them". Also great prices, if you are willing to start with small specimens.
The one time I had a problem (dead tree) they promptly replaced it, no problem. I felt almost guilty for bringing it up in this forum as they are so determined to make sure their product will be satisfactory for their customers.
I order from Ken and Oikos regularly and am routinely thrilled with what I get. Their stock is healthy and vigorous and the selection is really interesting -- you'll get alot of information just from reading the catalogue. Plus, the prices are good, and Ken is EXTREMELY patient with my questions (I'm learning alot from him). The one time I had a problem with something -- two shrubs -- they were replaced, and they even threw in an extra one to make up for the trouble. Great, great company.
On Mar 19, 2007, jimwil22 rhinelander, WI (Zone 4a) wrote:
this company has been pleasant to deal with for the
last 9 years, they offer some deals and the selection
is one of the best around, even people who have
planted trees for years like oikos, giving an opportunity
to add diversity to nature. there planting aids are helpful.
On Jan 12, 2007, Loohan Leslie, AR (Zone 7a) wrote:
I have ordered from them numerous times since 1998. Oftentimes their prices are outrageously good. More often than not, they throw in more than I paid for.
Plants have always been healthy and viable.
I have dealt with OIKOS on several occasions and they are an absolute joy to deal with. The blueberry plants I just recently ordered were in absolutely wonderful shape (nice plants, well packed, moist, with a very nice size).
I have ordered several types of trees from them in the past and they were in nice shape and nicely packed as well.
On May 23, 2006, meadowgarden Rockford, IL (Zone 4b) wrote:
All I can saw is WOW. I ordered on Sat. and had my trees by Tuesday. All were healthy, as advertised and well packed. The pricing is quite reasonable too.
On Mar 29, 2006, adadia Glenmoore, PA (Zone 6b) wrote:
I recently placed a rather large order with this company, and i couldn't be happier. My order was packed for shipping so well that not a single broken branch or speck of spilled soil was evident, and the plants themselves are fantastic; i was particularly impressed by how healthy and extensive the root systems are, and every plant has begun to leaf out in only 5 days! In fact, my nanking cherries, korean cherries, and "partridge lake" blueberry are blooming and covered with fat leaf buds, and the trachy palms i received are already pushing out new growth. The tubers i ordered (purple potato and jerusalem artichoke) are fresh and firm and i have no doubt that they will grow beautifully. I wouldn't hesitate to order again, especially if i can meet the $200 minimum for free shipping. After some bad experiences with other companies it's so nice to find a company that meets my expectations. Thank you Oikos!
On May 6th, 2006, adadia added the following:
It just came to my attention that the free shipping I referred to was a limited time only deal, which has unfortunately ended. However, their plants are really fantastic...every single plant from Oikos I planted this year is absolutely thriving, I would happily order more with or without free shipping!On May 24th, 2006, adadia added the following:
I just got my second order (in about a week) and I'm even happier than before...plants I bought that were advertised as being !' - 2' were a full 4'+! such a great company to deal with!
Simply a wonderful nursery to deal with. Their plants are healthy and vigorous.
Have a question... just call and ask them and they'll take the time to answer your questions. They return phone calls too!
I've ordered from them several times and each time it has been a pleasure. My plants reach me undamaged because they pack well. This nursery has great prices which is an added plus.
we ordered several different tree species. very good selection and reasonable price for small tree seedlings. packaging was very good . we were very pleased with oikos. we will order again in fall.
On June 22nd, 2006, rhodesja added the following:
ordered again from oikos and was pleased with plants packaging and service. On August 20th, 2006, rhodesja added the following:
had 2 plants not survive due to missing ups delivery attempt and having to wait 3 days to pick up package. oikos replaced no problem and shipped as weather permitted. thank you oikos. :)
On Mar 11, 2005, Flowerchild59 Carbondale, IL wrote:
I have ordered from this wonderful company 3 times in 6 years. They have outstanding selection of unusual items and are reasonably priced, albeit, on the small side. But everything I have purchased has thrived and grown well.
I highly recommend this nursery.
Nursery stock are almost always in rooted pots/tubes that don't have to go through transplant shock.
Items are packed safely and with care.
I have ordered a variety of trees from Oikos numerous times since the early 1990's. Ken's selection of hybrid oak trees is outstanding. Don't let his northern locale fool you -- I have successfully grown his oaks in northeastern Oklahoma for years now. In particular, my no. 1 recommendation is the Bur x English oak cross, - my original specimen (circa 1993) has survived drought, blizzard, hail, heat, humidity, prairie wind, and everything in between. It dependably crops acorns every year. I've also had excellent luck with his Chinkapin and Chestnut oaks. This year I am trialing Scarlet and Turkey oaks. My approach is to take his container trees and bareroot trees and raise them in containers the first year before transplanting into the landscape. I seem to have a better success ratio this way. Many of these trees also make it into the forest on my grandfather's farm. Regardless, I truly enjoy doing business with this man and his company.
I can't say enough good things about this company, if they ever go out of business it will break my heart. LOTS of different trees and shrubs, most geared toward edible landscaping or wildlife, in sizes ranging from tiny to very large. The small ones are very inexpensive, so you can experiment with lots of different things. Plus, if you need or want to order in bulk, their prices per 25 of one kind are unbeatable. The only complaint I have is that the catalog gets mailed so late (the end of March!). Of course if it came sooner, I'd probably buy even more stuff!
On May 15th, 2004, adksam added the following:
I ordered a total of 17 plants this year - I received 22, all healthy and ready to grow, most leafed out, perfectly packed - how can you beat it!!!
On Dec 28, 2003, Chills Saint Clair Shores, MI (Zone 6b) wrote:
Excellent service, hard to find products. Any questions, just call the company (which is also the way to get a catalog) 1-269-624-6233.
Everything I purchased was as expected (small, but the prices reflect that). Additionally everything put on a lot of growth this last summer. My only problems were due to a bunny that just wouldn't leave the little giant blueberry alone. I'll be digging through next year's catalog and ordering a replacement and protecting it better from the killer bunny.
My best experience with mail order nursery ordering.
On Sep 8, 2003, mominem Ashton, IL (Zone 5a) wrote:
This spring I ordered a couple of pawpaw trees from Oikos. They were pretty small but I followed the directions and planted inside the treetubes they provided. They have grown about 18 inches this summer and appear to be very healthy despite the drought Northern Illinois has experienced this summer.
I have ordered from alot of tree companies for years, and I have never wanted to brag about many until now. Oikos was packed and shipped better than most. I am so glad I found this company on the enternet. My nut trees are leafing out nicely, and I look forward to ordering more trees from them in the future.
Order was exactly as placed . there were more plants than ordered and all of excellent quality. would deal and have dealt with these people again. would be nice if they had a website.
I ordered northern-seed pawpaws. I got beautiful little trees, each with its own tree-tube. They are all growing great, of course, they haven't seen our Minnesota winter yet. Ordering was easy and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The trees arrived promptly and well packed. The catalog is filled with nuts and fruits, many of which you'll never find offered anywhere else! And with a focus on northern hardy varieties.
I've been ordering from Oikos for several years. They have some rare trees that I haven't seen anywhere else: example: Chamaecyparis thyoides. I had been looking for this valuable seedling for years, and this was the first time I had found it in the nursery trade. This is the "Atlantic cedar". They are selling the full size, wild tree, not dwarfed, bred-down versions. This tree was almost wiped out by the pioneers, who used the rot-resistant lumber for railroad ties and doorsills. It grows in acid swamps, or slightly drier ground. Now if people would grow this tree commercially and build decks out of it, a lot less deadly chemicals would get into the environment! I like the rooted seedlings in tubes that they send. Very reasonable prices, so I can buy a dozen or two Chinese pseudo-larix or Korean pine trees at once. The tubes are excellent for worry-free planting.
On Oct 1, 1998, Lucky_P Hopkinsville, KY (Zone 6b) wrote:
Ken Asmus, OIKOS' proprietor is the edible oak consultant for NAFEX. OIKOS carries a wide selection of species and hybrid oaks, with special emphasis on 'sweet' (low-tannin) acorn selections. In addition, they also carry a wide selection of nut trees, American native edibles (pawpaws, persimmons, saskatoons, etc.), deciduous magnolias, and other unusual ornamental trees and shrubs. Most are available as small, 1-2 yr. seedlings, many grown in paper containers, so transplant shock is minimal. Prices are very reasonable. Ken has many interesting plants I've never seen offered elsewhere!
