Care for your tree while you're away or through winter.
Heading out of town, or bracing for a hard New England winter? Leave your tree with people who work with bonsai every day. We'll water it, watch it, and tend it like it's our own, then send it home healthy. Drop-offs and pickups are by appointment, so every tree gets our full attention.
Simple, upfront pricing. No surprises at pickup.
Short-term rates are the same for tropical and cold-hardy trees. Seasonal space is limited, so it's best to reserve early.
Short-Term Boarding
For travel or temporary care needs.
Seasonal Boarding
Tropical: September 15 through May 15. Cold-hardy: October 15 through April 15.
Trees taller than 40 inches may need a custom estimate. Seasonal space is limited and fills up. Reserve early to make sure we can welcome your tree.
Reserve Seasonal BoardingYour tree is in good hands.
While your tree is with us, we give it attentive, day-to-day horticultural care based on what it needs and the season.
- Watering
- Weeding as needed
- Fertilizing when appropriate
- Seasonal care
- Monitoring for visible health concerns and pests
Professional work is separate
Pruning, styling, repotting, pest treatment, and other professional services aren't part of the standard boarding rate. Just ask, and we'll review your tree and give you an estimate. Want hands-on help too? See our private sessions and bonsai services.
Here's exactly what to expect at drop-off.
A little prep keeps things smooth for you and ready for us.
Payment, simplified
- A 50% deposit of the estimated boarding fee is due at drop-off.
- The remaining balance is due at pickup.
- Approved additional services or treatments are charged separately.
- Any unpaid balance from a previous boarding period is settled before we accept new trees.
When it's time to bring your tree home
A pickup appointment is required before collecting your tree.
- The remaining balance is due at pickup.
- Late or storage fees begin 15 days after the scheduled pickup date.
- We'll send a final reminder after 30 days.
- A tree left 60 days without contact may be considered abandoned and handled per your signed agreement.
A quick health check protects every tree.
To keep every tree in our care safe, each one should arrive clean, healthy, and pest free. We may not be able to accept a tree that:
- Appears unhealthy or is in declining condition
- Shows signs of pests or disease
- Could put other trees at risk
- Needs care we can't reasonably provide
- Is a species we've found difficult to maintain successfully
A few species are tricky for us, including fruit trees, Fukien Tea bonsai, and certain other sensitive types. Not sure about yours? Just reach out before scheduling.
A note about living trees
Bonsai are living plants. Their health can be affected by pre-existing conditions, previous care, pests, disease, weather, seasonal changes, equipment issues, or other things outside our control.
We promise reasonable, attentive care. We can't guarantee a specific outcome, continued health, growth, or survival, and we don't insure boarded trees.
If a tree needs care beyond standard boarding, we'll do our best to reach you before starting any work. Seasonal customers can set an emergency care spending limit in the Winter Boarding Agreement. You're responsible for any additional charges you approve.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? We're glad to help before you book.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Drop-offs and pickups are both by appointment, so every tree gets our full attention. No walk-ins, please.
Can I board a tree with pests?
No. Every tree should arrive clean, healthy, and pest free. If we spot pests or disease at intake, we may not be able to accept the tree.
Can I board a tree I didn't buy from Bonsai Outlet?
Yes. As long as it passes the intake health check, we're happy to welcome trees from anywhere.
Can my tree receive professional services while boarding?
Yes. Pruning, styling, repotting, and pest treatment are available separately. Just ask, and we'll review your tree and give you an estimate first.
Ready to give your tree a comfortable stay?
Pick a time that works for you, and we'll take it from there. You'll get a confirmation, clear drop-off instructions, and a reminder before your appointment.