Thuja Green Giant Trees

At Nationwide Plants, we measure our trees the way customers actually care about them- by how they’ll look in your yard after planting.

All tree heights are measured from the top of the soil line, not from the bottom of the pot. This gives you a true, realistic expectation of the above-ground height you’ll see once the tree is in the ground, rather than an inflated number that includes the container.

We also measure up to the natural, full “bushy” portion of the tree, not the absolute tallest stray tip that might stick up above the rest. The topmost "leader" can vary slightly from tree to tree, and it isn’t what creates privacy or fullness. Measuring to the bushy canopy gives you a more consistent, honest representation of the size and presence your tree will provide.

Just as importantly, our trees are always shipped in soil and in a pot—never bare-root. This keeps the root system protected, healthy, and ready to establish quickly once it arrives. In general, a larger pot size supports a larger, healthier root system, which means a stronger tree that can establish faster and thrive long-term after planting.

Unfortunately, not all nurseries measure this way. Some may advertise a “5–6 ft.” tree but include the pot and root system in that measurement, which can make the tree look significantly shorter once it’s planted. At Nationwide Plants, you’ll never have to guess what you’re getting—we measure honestly from the soil line so you can shop with confidence and know exactly how your tree will look when it’s in its new home.

• We never ship bare-root plants
• We never chop or cut roots just to fit into a smaller box
• We ship plants with large, developed root systems so they establish faster at your home
• We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs

A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.

Here’s exactly what you can expect after you place your order.

Selecting Your Plants for Shipping

Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:

• Strong health and vibrant foliage
• A well-developed root system
• Correct sizing based on what you ordered

We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!

Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.

Carefully Packed & Protected

Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.

Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling through the carrier network. Depending on what you ordered, packaging may include:

• Support materials to keep the plant stable
• Protection around the pot and root ball to prevent shifting
• Reinforced boxing to reduce bending or breakage

For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of the plant during shipping.

Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.

Fast, Reliable Shipping with FedEx

Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:

• They deliver quickly across the country
• They are consistently the most gentle with live plant packages
• Faster transit means less stress on your plant

Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.

We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.

We Ship From Multiple Nursery Locations

Nationwide Plants ships from multiple locations across the country, including locations on both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:

• Deliver faster in more regions
• Reduce time in transit for your plants
• Ship large items more efficiently

How We Measure Your Tree Size

We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.

That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.

What Your Plant Might Look Like After Shipping

It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after being in transit. Your plant has been traveling in a box, and you may notice:

• Minor leaf drop
• Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
• Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment

In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.

Unboxing Your Plants (Quick & Easy)

When your plants arrive, we recommend:

1. Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)

2. Remove all packing materials

3. Check soil moisture

   • If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering

4. Let the plant recover

   • Give it a little fresh air after shipping

If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!

Our 30-Day Plant Promise

We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.

If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.

If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship bare-root plants?

No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.

How fast will my order ship?

Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.

Will my plant survive shipping?

Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.

What if my plant arrives looking droopy?

This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.