Q:  Is there good value in buying trees from a conservation authority?

A:  Depends on how you define value.

Many years ago, acquiring tree stock from conservation authorities was a great value because the government heavily subsidized the planting of trees. The varieties available were generally limited but, in most cases, the trees were free. Now that is indeed value.

I went to a sale by a local conservation authority recently to investigate your question first hand. I did not examine the tree seedlings available as that is an entirely different issue (and, in any event, I would not advise purchasing seedlings from this source for a variety of reasons). Rather, my focus was on conifer and deciduous tree stock larger than 12 inches in height. 

The small conifer tree stock that I examined during my visit was definitely healthy and reasonably priced. Not a "bargain" in terms of what one might purchase at a local nursery but definitely good value. Given the early date (mid-April), the health of the deciduous stock could not be accurately determined, though I assume it was in good condition. The prices, however, were not.

Charging $18. for whips (some as small as 2-3 ft. in height) is not good value. But, for me, the real issue would be how long you want to wait to see your tree(s) reach a decent height where you can enjoy their beauty and functionality.

Value is entirely subjective. If you believe saving a few dollars while having to wait 10-12 years for the trees to reach a reasonable height (certainly not maturity), then you’ve determined the value of the purchase to you. Tree height is an important consideration if your objective is to landscape your property. If it’s to reforest an unused area, then it is clearly of lesser concern.

Leaving aside the fact that older trees are more likely to survive (better root structure and shape), I believe the real value of such a purchase lies in the immediate beauty and functionality of your newly acquired tree(s). While we plant trees for our children and theirs, being able to see and enjoy them for ourselves must surely also be a consideration. Therefore, paying a bit more (but not a lot more) for older, healthy tree stock is the way to go.