Written by Susan – Plant Lover, Adelaide
Advanced trees are one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your garden — but they're also one of the most misunderstood. If you've been considering a large specimen tree and wondering whether the price is worth it, or what to expect when it arrives, this guide is for you.
🌳 What Is an Advanced Tree?
An advanced tree is a specimen that has been grown on for several years, resulting in a tree that is significantly larger than a standard nursery stock plant. In practical terms, this usually means a tree that is between 1.5m and 4m+ tall at the time of purchase, with a well-developed root system and established structure.
For context: a standard 200mm pot Magnolia might be 40–60cm tall. An advanced Magnolia might arrive at 2.5–3m tall — giving you 4–5 years of growth head-start the moment it goes into your garden.
💰 Why Do Advanced Trees Cost More?
The price reflects the years of growing time, the cost of keeping a large plant healthy in a nursery, and the specialist handling required to move and deliver a big tree safely. A Magnolia that retails at $800–1,200 as an advanced specimen would be $35–60 as a 200mm pot. You're essentially buying years of someone else's time and care.
For most homeowners and landscapers, the economics still make sense — the instant impact, the reduced establishment risk, and the years of waiting you skip are often worth more than the price difference.
🚚 How Are Advanced Trees Delivered?
This is where Adelaide Plant Co is different from general couriers or garden centres. Large trees travel upright in our enclosed specialist trucks — not lying flat in a general freight van. Plants are secured, protected from wind stress, and handled carefully at both ends.
When your tree arrives, here's what to expect:
🟢 A two-person delivery for large specimens — we'll ask in your order if someone is available to help unload, which is essential for trees over 2m.
🟢 The tree will be in a large bag or container — do not attempt to remove it until you have your hole prepared.
🟢 Water the root ball immediately upon arrival — even a few hours without water matters for large specimens in warm weather.
🌱 Planting an Advanced Tree: Key Steps
Dig your hole 2–3x the width of the root ball and the same depth.
Improve heavy Adelaide clay with gypsum and compost before backfilling.
Position the tree so the root flare (where roots meet trunk) sits at or just above ground level.
Backfill and firm gently — no air pockets.
Water in deeply immediately — use a slow trickle for 30–60 minutes.
Stake the tree for the first 12–18 months if it's in an exposed position.
Apply a 7–10cm mulch ring, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
⏳ How Long Until an Advanced Tree Is Fully Established?
The general rule is one year of establishment for every 25mm of trunk diameter. A tree with a 75mm trunk will need roughly 3 years to fully establish its root system in your garden. During this time, deep regular watering in summer is essential.
That said, advanced trees look established from day one — which is exactly why people buy them. The establishment period is about the root system catching up to the canopy, not about the visible impact.
🌟 Which Advanced Trees Work Best in Adelaide?
🌸 Magnolia grandiflora — Spectacular evergreen with huge white flowers. Loves Adelaide's warm summers. A true statement tree.
🌸 Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) — Stunning summer colour, beautiful bark, and exceptional Adelaide heat tolerance. Available in white, pink, red, and purple.
🌸 Jacaranda — The iconic Adelaide purple canopy. Deciduous, so a perfect dappled summer shade tree with light winter sun.
🌸 Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana) — Brilliant autumn colour, white spring blossom, and a neat upright form. Perfect for street frontages and formal gardens.
🌸 Liquid Amber — Adelaide's best autumn colour tree. Spectacular red and orange in autumn, good shade in summer.
💚 Final Thoughts from Susan
"Every time I see a large Magnolia or Jacaranda arrive on a truck and go into someone's garden, I think about the transformation they're going to experience. Advanced trees are one of those purchases where you almost always look back and think 'I wish I'd done this sooner'. The impact is immediate and they just keep getting better every year."
Browse our Feature Trees & Specimens collection to see what's available, or contact us to discuss which tree suits your space and soil.
