I'm looking to purchase a large ficus tree (ficus benjamina) for my
house.  I'm *not* looking for the average Home Depot sized ficus, but
instead, something bigger, like what might be used in offices, malls,
etc (8+ feet).  I'm also interested in a high quality tree (no CostCo
here), and one that does not have a braided trunk.

I'd like a researcher to track down one or two possibilities for me
(need at least two for price comparison).  If I was to attack the
problem myself, I'd probably pick up the phonebook and call indoor
plant companies for offices and ask them if the sell trees, or try to
get the name of their supplier.

Best o' luck!

---

Clarification of Question by andrew-ga on 10 May 2004 10:03 PDT

Oh!  And one more thing.  I need to be able to go get it (willing to
travel 25-30 miles from San Jose, CA), or have it delivered.

---

Request for Question Clarification by crabcakes-ga on 10 May 2004 12:24 PDT

Hi andrew,

 I have begun to research your question, but I have found I need to
know a few things!

1) What is your price range and limit?
2) Are you aware that California has very strict regulations on
transporting trees of this size?
3) Are you able to transport and plant a huge tree yourself? I am told
a tree this big would weigh well over 300 pounds.


I just spoke to the owner of a tree moving and planting service, who
was kind enough to explain some things to me. In order to purchase a
tree of this size, according to the gentleman with whom I spoke, you
need to go to a tree wholesaler. This is where the problem comes in.
Wholesalers do not sell to individuals.

In order to purchase, transport and plant a tree of 8 feet or over,
you will need to go through a landscaping company.


This is from one tree Nursery site, regarding delivery:
 If you plan to transport a tree, be aware that California has strict
highway rules about how far a tree can extend beyond a vehicle. This
nursery requires a minimum order of $500 for delivery with a $60 drop
fee at their earliest convenience. Orders that total more than $1,000
get a 10% discount and free local delivery. Off-route deliveries are
charged $2 per mile beyond Gilroy.


The gentleman from the landscaping company told me he would go with
you to the wholesaler, and buy the tree, through his company. He would
transport the tree and plant it for you, for $150-$200 depending on
the actual size of the tree, and the distance.

Would you like me to continue researching the cost of a tree according
 to your requirements?

Regards,
crabcakes

---

Clarification of Question by andrew-ga on 10 May 2004 13:38 PDT

1) What is your price range and limit?

I'm looking to spend no more than about $300.

2) Are you aware that California has very strict regulations on
transporting trees of this size?

No!  But it being California and all, I'm not surprised.

3) Are you able to transport and plant a huge tree yourself? I am told
a tree this big would weigh well over 300 pounds.

Probably not.  I could probably manage 150 - 200 pounds, but not 300. 
I also have a Ford Explorer, which may not be big enough for the task.

4) Would you like me to continue researching the cost of a tree according
to your requirements?

Yes.  I'd like to clarify that this is going to go in my house, not
outside.  So I'm not looking for an outside ficus, but an inside one.

Thanks!

Hi andrew,

I have found several locations that sell indoor Ficus Benjamina trees,
of the type you are seeking. Another thing I found, is that these
trees, of the size you want, are hard to find! The root of the problem
is not a scarcity of the trees themselves, but most businesses that
carry large Ficus trees sell wholesale only! I think you will find at
least one of these businesses to be satisfactory:

======================================================================
Penninsula Plants and Floral 
======================================================================
Located in San Jose, CA   (408) 998-4695
This is a ?By Appointment Only? type of business. Their plants and
trees are all greenhouse grown, making them beautiful and ideal for an
indoor location. I was told what I think you already knew - that
hardware store trees are field grown, and won?t do well indoors.  You
will need to call and make an appointment to view their showroom, and
make your purchase. After speaking with the office manager at
Pennisula Plants, I believe I have found the perfect ficus tree to
grace your home! The office manager told me that usually the owner,
Ellis, answers most calls himself.

I was told that there are two types of indoor Ficus Benjamina: Topiary
and Columnar. In order to have a topiary style, which has foliage near
the top only, exposing a large amount of trunk, you would need to have
a braided trunk.

To have a non-braided trunk, as you requested, you would need to
purchase a columnar style ficus. This tree will have 2-3 plants in
one, but not braided. According to Penninsula, this gives a full, lush
tree, with leaves covering most of the trunk, top to bottom.

The price for this Ficus Benjamina tree is $200. You will need a pot
that is 18?-20? in diameter, and Pennisula sells several ?beautiful ?
pots, that fall in the $100 price range.
http://www.plants-flowers.com/index.htm
Pictures
http://www.plants-flowers.com/catalog.htm#Ficus

Contact Information:
http://www.plants-flowers.com/contact.htm



======================================================================
Orchard Supply Hardware
======================================================================
1751 E. Capitol Expressway, San Jose, CA 95121
(408) 270-2600 Mon-Sat 7am - 9 pm
Sun 8 am - 8 pm
I spoke with a woman at Orchard Supply, who told me she could order a
Ficus Benjamina tree for you, without the braided trunk, and she
expected the price to run around $60. She said to come down to the
store or call! She did not know if this tree will be field or
greenhouse grown. Juging by the price, I would assume it is field
grown.
Here is a map to locate the OSH store. I called the store at the address above.
http://osh.know-where.com/osh/cgi/site?site=00160&address=


======================================================================
Payless Nursery
======================================================================
2927 South King Road, San Jose, CA 95122, (408) 274-7815 
Payless Nursery has one 6ft. Ficus Benjamina, with a non-braided
trunk, for $59.99. I realize this may be too small for your needs, but
am listing it for price comparison purposes.
 
http://yellowpages.superpages.com/profile.jsp?SRC=portals&T=San+Jose&S=CA&PP=LN&STYPE=S&CID=00000493429&PI=15&LID=0020283180

Here is a map!
http://yellowpages.superpages.com/supermaps/mapinit.jsp?SRC=portals&T=San+Jose&S=CA&PP=LN&STYPE=S&CID=00000493429&LID=0020283180&map.x=212&map.y=125&level=8&lat=037311207&lng=-121814926&POI1lat=037311207&POI1lng=-121814926&POI1name=Payless+Nursery&streetaddress=2927+South+King+Road&city=San+Jose&state=CA&zip=95122

======================================================================
Interior Plant Design
======================================================================
On final option, is Interior Plant Design,1950 Monterey Hwy. San Jose,
CA 95112 (408) 286-1367
I spoke to a friendly woman who told me they sell only to other business, BUT:
Once a month, on the second Saturday of each month, Interior Plant
Design has a great sale, open to the public. (The most recent one was
this past Saturday, May 8!). This sale covers numerous plants that
have been used in displays, temporarily, or from businesses that have
closed. The woman I spoke to could not tell me actual prices, but said
 ? prices are very very reasonable?. If you can wait for another
month, you may find a great deal here!
Here is a map:
://www.google.com/local?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&c2coff=1&safe=active&q=interior+plant+design&near=San+Jose,+CA&radius=0.0&latlng=37335277,-121893888,37306321,-121864146&oi=locald



In case you do need help transporting this tree, consider this business :
J B Gardening, 2419 Stokes St., San Jose, CA 95128, (408) 998-5475
I spoke to the owner, and he was very helpful and eager to help out.
His rates are very low, and he seems very knowledgeable about trees!
(No web site)

I hope this leaves you with enough resources to locate a proper tree!
I believe your perfect Ficus, however, would be one that grows Reese?s
Peanut Butter Cups!

If any part of my answer is unclear, please use the Answer
Clarification button before rating. This will allow me to assist you
further, if possible.

Regards,
crabcakes


Search Terms
Greenhouse ficus tree San Jose California
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