Boston Tropical Tree & Flower Outlet

After my experience at Boston Tropical Tree today, I had to hop onto my much neglected Unilocal account & share what occurred.
Currently, it is Christmas Eve. One of my passions in life is volunteering. I do a ton of work around the holidays (when it is generally needed the most). This afternoon I dropped gifts off for a family going through a very hard time. The parents were SO grateful, but I noticed something: they did not have a tree. I asked the family about this, & the mother whispered to me that they unfortunately couldn’t afford one this year. Immediately my mind started racing, trying to think of any nurseries that would a) be open Christmas-​Eve afternoon, & b) Would even HAVE any trees still for sale.
I called around to some of the more local ones, but was out of luck. I decided to call Boston Tropical Tree– even though it was a bit of a drive from where I was, I remembered from previously living in the area as a kid that they generally had an excellent selection of holiday décor. When I asked if they had any trees left, the employee kind of chuckled & said «I think we *might* have a couple– but we’re about to close.» I hopped in my car & rushed over.
As I pulled into the parking lot, I thought I would be totally out of luck— parked next to me was a pick-​up truck, piled high with about 10 Christmas trees. I watched as the driver went to the side of the nursery, took the very last tree, & loaded it on top of the others in the truck’s bed. I figured he must be buying the surplus in bulk. I couldn’t believe my bad luck! If I was minutes earlier I would have had a tree.
I raced over to the cash register which was outside, & asked the employee (who I believe is the owner), if they had any trees left. He pointed to a tiny, table top one assuming I was looking for a decorative piece (after all, how many people are actually out buying full-​sized trees hours before Christmas?!). I told him that I was actually looking for a regular, living-​room tree, as I just found out a family I knew didn’t have one. He yelled over to the man in the truck who was about to drive off, & told him to bring back one of the trees (I assume he was actually an employee, about to get rid of the extra stock). I could have shrieked with excitement– I just could not believe the timing worked out so perfectly, like it was meant to be! If I had arrived truly SECONDS later, I wouldn’t have a tree. I profusely thanked him, & grabbed my wallet.
Just as I was about to pay, he stopped me. «Who did you say this was for?» he asked. «Oh, actually, it’s for a local family. I just found out that they weren’t able to afford a tree this year, & I wanted to buy one for them since they have children», I replied. He shook his head as I began to pass the money. «No– don’t worry about that. Please, just take it. I’d really like them to have it.» I told him that was so kind of him, but I had no problem paying for it. But he wouldn’t back down. I was shocked. I was touched. I thought that was one of the nicest things someone could do. I thanked him over & over, & brought the tree to my car. It was very well wrapped, & I was luckily able to fit it into my SUV (this was so last minute so I didn’t think to bring rope or a tarp for the roof).
I opened my driver’s side door & was about to hop in & drive away, when the owner approached me. «Wait a second», he said. He brought over two, huge beautiful poinsettia plants. «Here’s some extra decorations for them!» he said with a smile. Once again, I couldn’t believe his kindness. I thanked him & thanked him, & told them I knew they would love them. He told me that wasn’t it– he made two more trips back over to my car, with some gorgeous Christmas hanging ‘balls’ (I’m not sure what they are called– they are pine branches molded into a circular shape with decorative bows, ornaments, & pine cones. He said they might be able to use some of the ornaments for their tree), & then several bouquets of flowers. I must have said thank you a hundred times! It just meant so, so much. I gave him a big hug & told him he has no idea just how much this will mean to the family (though I’m sure he actually did). He told me he was very happy to help, & that I reminded him of his niece. He was just the NICEST man in the world.
When I Google’d BTT to find their Unilocal page, I came across their website, & learned they operate seasonally. Christmas Eve afternoon is the last day they are open before completely shutting down until spring rolls around. This would have been an easy opportunity for a small business to make it’s final sale before closing it’s doors for months. This shows me what an amazing person the owner is.
I wanted to share my experience, because what this business did changed an entire family’s Christmas. It was so great to help them set up the tree. The children were over the moon! From now on I will make the drive to BTT for all my plant/​flower needs. I will NEVER forget this random act of kindness. Thank you!

Whenever I am visiting friends and family for the holiday this is my go-​to spot based on price and convenience. A great place for last minute holiday gifts: Christmas greenery, Easter flowers, Valentine’s day flowers.

I come here 3 or 4 times a year and always leave happy. Their Christmas tree and wreath prices can’t be beat. In the spring, it’s my go-​to place for Mother’s Day arrangements and for flats of annuals.

They sell great stuff, but the two owners (brothers) are jerks, looking for something to yell at you about (personal experiences).

I get good deals, wander around, check out and wave good bye. Perfect shopping experience and awesome prices!

Bought a Christmas tree from them 2 yrs ago and when the employee put it in my car, he didn’t wrap it. It damaged the roof of my car. When we went to pull the tree out it damaged the tree as well. It was dead in 24 hours. Owner didn’t care. Rude rude rude. I don’t understand how people can run a business and treat customers so poorly.

I was hesitant on coming here since I read the reviews of the service. If you are looking for place that greet you as you enter than don’t come here. The service I receive wasn’t bad. I asked questions and he answered accordingly and was friendly throughout. The prices was definitely worth the drive.

Went with my family to pick out a Christmas tree and had no problem finding one we all agreed on. The problem was most of the employees. The majority of them were incredibly rude. One gentleman told us we were ruining his «system» by waiting where he told us to wait while my sister ran to the car because she forgot her wallet. Then he called all of us «wacked» and stormed away because he couldn’t handle the line of people waiting patiently to cash out. Finally the cashier got an attitude and yelled at my brother in law three times that the tree was $ 29 plus tax before he realized we gave him $ 40. Only one person thanked us as we left and he didn’t even deal with us. Overall the only thing that they have going for them here is a nice selection of trees. Avoid if you can.

Bought 2 spiral bushes in November 2013 to put in planters and decorate with xmas lights for the season. One died during the winter and the other didn’t look so hot either come springtime. I came back with the dead one when they re-​opened to see what they would do about it. The guy we spoke to told us that #1 those bushes don’t usually survive the winter (huh, so why are you selling them in November??) and #2 they usually die if they aren’t planted in the ground (he said a lot of people put them in planters and decorate them for xmas time and they usually die, hmm sounds familiar). Gee, ya think maybe somebody could have told us this when we were spending around $ 300 for the two of them in late November. But no.
In any event, he said they would give us a little something off if we bought something else from them. Buy something else? What about the dead bush I have? They refused to replace it or refund any money. So much for the «warranty».

Without a doubt the rudest, self serving, dishonest group of people I have ever done business with. I will never ever shop here again. Prices are marked WAY up so that they can advertise them as 50% off, when in fact you can get better pricing and better quality plants across the street at Loews or up the street a bit at Briggs. The owners treat you like you are only there to steal from them. Funny thing is they are robbing the public blind and treating customers like dirt. Never ever, ever, ever again.

As new homeowners, and I mean new: our house is in a giant dirt and weed patch, we needed a lot of plants, and when you are in need of many plants, you want those plants to be cheap, and when you need those plants to be cheap, you go here.
It’s a mixed bag, some plants look happier than others, some are a bigger value than others. None get too far off the beaten path of your standard New England home foliage (arborvitae, rhododendrons, hydrangeas – or as Boston Tropical spells it, «hydrangers»), but when you need those basic staple plants, this is a great place. And hey, if they die, the place says they give you 50% off if you want to try again with another plant that might die. All of the ones we bought seemed alright though, and at those prices, you place your bets n’ takes your chances. This ain’t Briggs, you know!
I detract two stars because the customer service is appalling. I consider myself fairly well-​aware of my surroundings, but I still almost got run over by the forklift guy like six times. I watched him not watching as he reversed.
…Maybe I have a sick sense of humor, but it was actually kind of funny… so I give back one of those two stars for giving me a chuckle.

I go to this place at least 6 to 10 times a year and always walk away having had a great experience. Although the last time I went the day before easter to buy a silly $ 5 dollar bunny plant for someone else as a favor. I picked the plant up and continued to browse the grounds. As I was walking past the outdoor registers to the rest of the grounds to continue to look around I heard a gurglry fat voice yelling if I had paid for the stupid $ 5 dollar bunny plant. Alot of people were around, and looking at me probably thinking why would he try and steal that dumb ass plant.
That could have been very embarrising if I actually cared. I just laughed about it.
I still think this place is excellent for the deals, just watch out for loud accusations.

Drove to Boston Tropical from RI because they have a great selection of trees although $ 169 for a tree is not a deal however I have been going there for 4 years. My issue was as I drove off I noticed that they had charged me for something that I didn’t purchase. I figured since I was already in RI that I would call and tell them, their response was what I have an issue with «oh we’ll I guess we over charged you» I asked if it would be possible to get a credit over the phone and they said «nope you have to drive back». I didn’t drive back for $ 13.99 however I would have liked a simple I’m sorry. I guess that I will have to find another place but for $ 200 I’m sure that it won’t be a problem.

As long as you keep your wits about you, have the capacity to nurse some C+ plants back to A+ shape, and don’t mind some pretty awful customer service, this is a great place to get some really cheap shrubs, bushes, and trees. They also have pretty cheap vegetable plants in the spring, but I have not had great luck with their veggies (things turning out not to be the variety indicated, etc.). They are only open in the Spring and Fall and close in the middle of the summer and most of the winter. If you’re going to shop here, you should only do it after they start slashing prices on things, a couple of weeks after the re-​open usually. And the longer you wait, the cheaper things get… but of course the quality goes down too. It’s like a game! Some tips for you if you choose to participate in the cheap plant lottery game at Boston Tropical…
–Don’t expect to get much help from the staff, so bring a friend to help carry things and a smartphone so you can Google answers to questions.
–Consider buying a little more than you need. If you need 4 azaleas, by 5 or 6. Their stuff isn’t *super* healthy (especially if you wait it out to get a better deal), they kind of have a return policy if something dies, but get mad if you try to use it… plus things are so cheap it is worth it to just stock up.
–Don’t buy if it’s not on sale! Like… really on sale…50% off or more. I’ve lost my head while here once or twice and bought something at full price only to find out it was pretty much the same price as the better quality item at the real nursery up the street.
–Nurse it back to health! The best deals are things that don’t like all that great. The usually just need a little water, a little room to breath, and maybe some fertilizer.
Good luck!

This is a great place to find shrubs, trees, flowers — whatever. Prices are very good, selection is hit or miss though. Go here first if you are looking for any common shrub! You will not find a lower price, and the plants are usually pretty healthy looking. Pumpkins in season are also very cheap.
The parking lot is super dangerous, especailly for little kids, so keep your eyes out for them. Also there are some reals grumps working the registers, but whatever– it is so cheap.