Rcw Nurseries Inc
About us
RCW Nurseries is one of the oldest and largest full service nurseries serving the Houston area. We carry a huge selection of shrubs, roses, perennials, herbs, annuals, palms and fruit trees. RCW also grows its own shade and ornamental trees, in over 100 varieties which have been chosen for their suitability on the Gulf Coast. RCW carries a wide variety of gardening supplies including soils, stone, pottery, and statuary. Our garden shop has an extensive selection of organic gardening supplies. Special orders and delivery are available. RCW offers landscaping design and installation services for large and small projects. Come wander through four acres with knowledgeable nursery professionals available to help you with your gardening needs. The staff at RCW averages over 20 years experiences each, in the Houston area, and you can be helped in seven different languages. The nursery also has many very large bird cages filled with rescued birds and there is a turtle pond, creating a charming place to take the kids or have a picnic lunch.
Business highlights
46 years of experience
Services we offer
Landscaping.
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.56 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 83% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 17% | ||
| 0% |
Showing 1-6 of 6 reviews
Eric H.
Sep 2015
unknown
Lana L.
Dec 2013
It was November 2009 when we bought a 100 gallon oak tree from RCW Nurseries but only recently (October 2013) that we learned the reasons we had been having problems with the tree from day one.
From the beginning, despite watering dutifully, the tree had sections which looked dry. Not long after it was planted, we called RCW (I don?t remember the lady?s name who came and looked at the tree). She put in a hormone and said we had been watering only one side of the tree (and that is as ridiculous as it sounds!)!
For years, despite consistent watering, the leaves at the top of the tree were dry. This was not a small section. Also, the tree wasn?t appearing to grow much. After over 3 years, we were thinking about replacing the tree in the spring of this year, 2013, but the
tree finally appeared to be getting green leaves at the top.
A couple of months ago in October 2013, we called an arborist from Houston Arbor Care, to come look at our trees. First, we already figured out that when we thought we had bought a live oak tree as it was labeled at RCW, the tree was actually a cathedral oak (structure of tree different and not what I had wanted). After examining the area beneath the tree, the arborist explained all the things that had been done wrong when the tree was planted 4 years ago:
1. The roots of the tree (tree in 100 gallon container) had not been loosened when it was planted. They were root-bound which had caused the tree to have problems getting enough water through the years and also to cause the tree to be stunted in growth!! So much for RCW?s tree person saying we had been watering only half the tree!
2. The tree had also been planted too shallow which explains roots showing at the surface which should not have happened if it had been planted deep enough.
From the beginning, despite watering dutifully, the tree had sections which looked dry. Not long after it was planted, we called RCW (I don?t remember the lady?s name who came and looked at the tree). She put in a hormone and said we had been watering only one side of the tree (and that is as ridiculous as it sounds!)!
For years, despite consistent watering, the leaves at the top of the tree were dry. This was not a small section. Also, the tree wasn?t appearing to grow much. After over 3 years, we were thinking about replacing the tree in the spring of this year, 2013, but the
tree finally appeared to be getting green leaves at the top.
A couple of months ago in October 2013, we called an arborist from Houston Arbor Care, to come look at our trees. First, we already figured out that when we thought we had bought a live oak tree as it was labeled at RCW, the tree was actually a cathedral oak (structure of tree different and not what I had wanted). After examining the area beneath the tree, the arborist explained all the things that had been done wrong when the tree was planted 4 years ago:
1. The roots of the tree (tree in 100 gallon container) had not been loosened when it was planted. They were root-bound which had caused the tree to have problems getting enough water through the years and also to cause the tree to be stunted in growth!! So much for RCW?s tree person saying we had been watering only half the tree!
2. The tree had also been planted too shallow which explains roots showing at the surface which should not have happened if it had been planted deep enough.
To try and help the bound roots, the arborist dug around the tree and we?ll have to wait to see if that helps. He indicated, however, that the tree may always be stunted due to the errors in planting. We paid almost $1300 to what we thought was a professional tree nursery and they sent people who were not even knowledgeable about planting trees! A year warranty doesn?t do any good for us as buyers when it takes years for the problems to show.
Response from Rcw Nurseries Inc
"Dear, We are so sad to hear your tree hasn’t done well and was mismarked. We wish you had called us a second time. Like every business, we need to learn from our mistakes and would have gladly come out again to address your concerns. Having our own tree farm gives us better control over the quality of our trees and ensures that they are marked as true to name. Unfortunately, mistakes can be made. Occasionally, we purchase trees from other growers to fill in when we are out of a type or size at our tree farm. We did bring in a group of large ‘Cathedral’ Oaks from another grower in 2009 and they were marked as such. ‘Cathedral’ is a type of Live Oak, but grows taller and faster than the Southern Live Oak, which is the one you were expecting. The staff always tries to explain the customer the difference between the two varieties. Our Guarantee Policy states that “RCW warrants all exterior tree and shrubs sold and installed by them to be true to name.” When there has been a mistake and it has been brought to our attention, we have always replaced the tree or plants at no charge. If you would like us to replace the tree, we would gladly do so. You would just need to come in and make a selection. Our one year Guarantee Policy is industry standard and we offer follow up visits, on request during the 1st year, at no charge. Many factors are involved with the long term success and growth of trees including water quantity, water quality, soil type and use of chemicals, such as Atrazine in Weed and Feed. To cover all the possible issues a tree could has after planting, in perpetuity, would require us to charge far more than we currently do or offer insurance policies, which we would rather avoid. Please contact us if you would like us to replace the tree and we will get to it as soon as possible. Mary Cummings Manager RCW Nurseries Inc. 281-440-5161"
Lyn A.
Jul 2012
She designed a wonderful plan, using as much of the existing plantings as she could to keep the cost down. Her crew did the entire job in a day and she was present, working and supervising the entire time. We met with her a while later to go over how we were to care for the plantings and written instructions for the new trees planted.Since then she has answered my e-mail questions, which we believe is service above and beyond!The work has been wonderful, the plantings healthy and we could be more pleased.
Ned B.
Jul 2011
I bought an avocado and Kishu Mandarin orange tree last January from Mary at RCW. Her stock was superb, I got a great price, and Mary was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. When I check around for high quality compost to top-dress my vegetable garden, RCW was the only shop to carry a black composed pine bark humus, perfect for the too-alkaline soil in Houston. Great price, too - in bags just $4 more than the bulk price for 1 cubic yard, and a lot easier to get home and get to the garden in bags than in bluk.
Mike J.
Feb 2011
This nursery has an exception selection of quality trees and the staff was knowledgeable. We will be back for more.
Barbara P.
Aug 2009
unknown
Licensing
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FAQ
Rcw Nurseries Inc is currently rated 4.5 overall out of 5.
Rcw Nurseries Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Rcw Nurseries Inc does not offer free project estimates.
No, Rcw Nurseries Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Rcw Nurseries Inc does not offer a senior discount.
No, Rcw Nurseries Inc does not offer emergency services.
No, Rcw Nurseries Inc does not offer warranties.