Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/05/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been good customer of FGT for some time. On Wed Aug 9 2023 I purchased 2 blueberry bushes. They looked horrible. I called the help line and described the condition. Help line advised not to worry as they look as they should and they were probably stressed and would recover. The bushes have never recovered despite attentive care. I have since ordered 5 more of the same type of **** and I know now what they should have looked like upon arrival. On February 1st **** I called and explained the situation and got a very used-car salesman type representative. They offered to replace the bushes only if I paid shipping which is unacceptable. I would have returned the trees immediately in August they didn't reassure me over and over that the bushes will recover and not to worry. It appears the *** is to assure a customer that things are okay until the ****** return policy is well passed. Extremely bad customer service.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2024

  We have reached out to the customer and assisted under our guarantee.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/07/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Thank you. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/22/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On May 30, 2023, I purchased the 10-pack (2-gallon) Titan Boxwood Shrubs from "FASTGROWINGTREES.COM". I initially informed them it lived in Zone 9 - *****************, and described what I was looking for: Fast-growing Shrubs that could withstand ** sunlight, would quickly grow to maturity (3-6 feet), and that were easily shaped. I also described my planting area - a small 8-foot wide by 30-foot long area in front of my front porch. The agent said the Titan Boxwood Shrubs were an excellent choice as they grew well in Zone 9 and were beautiful when fully grown. He informed me of the planting and care requirements, and based on his strong recommendation, I purchased the 10-pack (2-gallon) Boxwood Titan shrubs for $416,57 and the warranty for an additional $39.95. The product arrived in large boxes and in good shape, however, have FAILED to make any substantial growth since arriving over 9 months ago. Over that period, I expressed concern more than 4 times to *** Customer SVC reps. **** though I closely followed their recommendations for watering, fertilizer, etc., nothing has worked. Their normal response was, They look fine, and give it time - check back with us in a few months. THEY ARE NOT! The leaves are yellowing and falling off, and the product is not growing. When I asked for a refund, because I also purchased the WARRANTY, their response was to offer a store credit and force me to buy another failed item from them. Ive reviewed their entire product line and none of their products meet my growth timeline. At the 3/4 Year ***** none of the *** Shrubs have grown more than 2 inches. At this rate of est. 5 inches per year, 3-6 feet would take **** years. Additionally, they offered 1) ***** Bushes which grow faster, but are too tall at maturity, and poisonous to small animals and kids) and 2) other trees, which also grow faster, but would potentially damage my house, because of their height at maturity (***** feet). Nothing in their product line works for me.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/22/2024

  We have reached out to the customer and issued a full refund for their *****. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for this to reflect back to your payment method on file. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/23/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Thank you. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/27/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a pink dogwood tree and it arrived dead! I sent them photos of the dead tree and they said that is how they look this time of year or some excuse and said for me to plant it anyway and allow it time to grow. I planted it in proper soil with fertilizer I purchased from them and followed all instructions to care for the tree and it never came back to life. It was dead upon arrival and I have photos to prove it. They never would honor what they did by lying to me and telling me to plant a dead tree and then later not giving me my money back when they should have refunded it immediately when it was dead on arrival. The trees leaves were completely dried out and brittle and the branches snapped off and were dry and brittle as well. It looked as if it had been in that box for months without water or sun.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/29/2023

  We have reached out to the customer to provide planting care and advice. Unfortunatly these plants are not reccomended to grow outdoors in their growing zone and would not be covered under our guarantees. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/30/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Purchased a fruit tree online with delivery to **. Fruit trees are not taxable in **(verified with state tax board). Called company who stated they always collect tax on all purchases. Called company state of business SC tax revenue board who advised me fruit trees are not taxable in the state and to contact the company The taxes are not owed in either the state where business resides, nor the state items delivered. Company did collect $5.58 from me. While nit a large amount on this order, magnify across all exempt purchases this becomes a huge sum. Seems state agencies would be interested if this is a business practice to over collect taxes from consumers

  Business Response

  Date: 12/04/2023

  We are so sorry, it looks like a technical error caused taxes to be added to your ordder. We have brought this to our IT departments attention to investigate and ensure this does not reoccur and have issued a refund for the taxes charged on your order. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/04/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  While I very much appreciate the refund of taxes on my individual order, the issue itself has not yet been corrected .

  The company is still collecting taxes on untaxable items  (see screenshot of an order checkout taken today)

  The issue should remain open until the company has fully complied with state taxation regulations. 

  I appreciate their continued cooperation and hope they will communicate when the issue has been resolved by "IT".

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/08/2023

  We have reached out to the customer to follow up. Our taxes are currently calculated by Avalara and we have been in contact with them on Fruit tree taxes to have this corrected. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/12/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint. I do understand that updating and correcting it systems partially third party can take time  I agree to close this current issue but will review the issue again in 30 days, (January ****) for completion of the updates.

  
  
  Thank you for your time and attention

  *********************;

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/02/2024

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

   

  I previously filed complaint ##******** in December 2023. The company is changing sales tax for fruit trees (edible food) for delivery to a state which does not collect. The originating state also does not collect. (See original complaint) the company asked me to close while they rectified their billing. It's been 3 additional months and the company continues to illegally collect sales tax on potentially thousands of orders . Where is this additional money going if not paid to the state?

  Stop collecting taxes on ineligible items. It's theft and fraud.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/26/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In January of 2023 we ordered 9 serviceberry trees from fast growing trees. 5 trees were delivered and an additional insurance for $100 was paid to extend to a one year guarantee. Four more Serviceberry trees were paid for with the same extended warranty. The trees did not appear robust or even healthy. During a phone call we were told the trees were dormant. We have baby the trees, then follow the directions explicitly how to plant and take care of them. We have scheduled phone conferences and at this ********** emails. With very little support. Now our warranty is going to run out and they're telling us we need to prune them send pictures which we've done in the past. The customer service representative ask again for pictures which I sent again all nine trees. We are retired and are trying to beautify our home in our rural community. We got taken by this company with very little support and trees that look like sticks.**** and ************************* ************

  Business Response

  Date: 10/26/2023

  We have reached out to the customer and agreed to issue refunds for their orders. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for this to reflect back to your payment method on file.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/26/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  I understand I will be receiving a refund to my method of payment.

  
  
  Thank you. 

  ****** and ********************;

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/02/2023

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The advertise on google---as following---******* and Mustard **** Shrubs for Sale Fast Growing Trees ****************************** products ketchup...fast grow tree buy one get one free rose ******* and Mustard **** Shrub - 2 Gallon Buy one tree, get one free. Free shipping on orders over $49. Healthy Plants ... it sells out - order your ******* and Mustard Shrub today! Planting & Care. 1 ...?US$129.95 i paid more than $120 + tax ordered this plant, but I only received one. then the fast grow company replied my request as following-- ?Hi ****,I am sorry for any confusion with the process of our Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer. But both trees have to be ordered in order to receive both. You needed to add both to your cart and upon adding the second it would add at a cost of$0.00. We cannot retroactively apply the offer, I am sorry. ***** FGT Plant Experts this kind of ordering trick involved in the buy one get one free deal, how I know ahead.??? not a honest company, i will never fall into your trap again!!

  Business Response

  Date: 10/03/2023

  We have reached out to the customer and issued a full refund for this order under our 30 day guarantee. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for this to process. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/18/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I ordered a mango and avocado tree. In less than 30 days the trees were both wilting and dying. I reached out to customer service and there is really no assistance, just an endless amount of questions about the soil, water, fertilizer, etc. The reason I purchased from them is their 30 day guarantee which is not being honored. If my trees are dying I expect a replacement or a refund as advertised by their 30 day guarantee. After answering all the questions and supplying photos to customer service, I am still in limbo waiting for some assistance.Order # ********** CS Ticket #*******

  Business Response

  Date: 09/22/2023

  We have reached out to the customer and agreed to issue replacements forboth trees on this order. Your replacement order Order #: 9501900082 has been processed. Please do not hesitat e to contact us with any questions or concerns. 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/22/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Thank you. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/07/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On May 27, 2023, I purchased 4 banana trees that were good for my zone. They arrived on June 1, 2023. Two of the trees looked fine and the other two looked really puny, slimy and almost dead. I immediately planted them and gave them water. I contacted FGT (Fast Growing Trees) on their Contact Us form right after planting them and told them how bad the two looked. I did not receive a reply or acknowledgment. On July 7, 2023, and finally received a response a few hours later. I was told that the plants take 3-6 months to establish roots and since they were banana plants sometimes they look bad because of the shedding. Then a second response asked for photos, which I sent to ****** but nothing further. On August 26, 2023, the one banana tree was dead, it actually came out of the ground and fell over. The second tree does not look great but is still alive...the final two are doing ok When I contacted FGT about the dead plant the reply was to purchase their $80 warranty for the replacement of the plant that died. I already overpaid for the plants because all my friends said it was a good place to buy from, and since I contacted them right after I received them then a second and third time, I should not have to pay for plants that were destined to die. It is now almost fall. I can not buy a banana and think it will establish before winter so I either want my money refunded or I want a replacement in the spring.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/09/2023

  We have reached out to the customer and agreed to cover this under our 30 day guarantee and can issue replacements for the banana trees. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/07/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I placed an order on March 12, 2023 for a total of $1,621.45. The order number is **********. This purchase included $709.45 in gardenias (one gardenia tree and ten gardenia shrubs). I contacted Fast Growing Trees in May 2023 about the poor condition of the gardenias, and a partial replacement was issued. I then contacted Fast Growing Trees again in August and September 2023 about the poor condition of the gardenias specifically, by this point, all the gardenias had died. Despite my request for assistance, Fast Growing Trees has refused to assist me in any way because I didnt purchase an additional warranty. Not only have they refused to assist me re: the dead gardenias, but they instead asked if I was interested in spending $176 on a warranty for the remaining items in my $1600+ order?! I paid $709.45 for live, healthy gardenia plants. The gardenias were planted by a professional; we retained a sprinkler company prior to planting to confirm adequate watering; and we pay a fertilizer company monthly to handle proper fertilizing in short, we did everything in our power to ensure the health of these plants. These plants were just sickly and/or were otherwise not healthy enough to handle a Zone 10 spring and summer, despite the website advertising that these are Zone 10 plants.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/09/2023

  We cover our plants under a 30 day Alive and Thrive guarantee. Since we sell perishable products, we do offer an optional one year warranty that can be added at checkout. Our warranty issues replacements or store credit should the trees perish within one year. Unfortunately it does not look like the warranty was added to this order however as a courtesey we have offered to add this to cover all of the plants on this order. Here is our guarantee terms of service:
  
  Alive & Thrive Guarantee
  We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you're not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we'll replace them at no cost to you. 
  Our Alive & Thrive Guarantee covers issues with your plants within the first 30 days. Get in touch with us via phone, chat or email, and our team will review your concerns and, if necessary, provide you with a one-time replacement at no cost.
  Please remember that plants need proper care and nutrients to acclimate to their new environments. If you've given your plants less-than-optimal care or purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, your purchase won't be covered by our Alive & Thrive Guarantee.

   

  ***************************************************************
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/11/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because: a company cannot sell inferior, defective products and then hide under the guide of a limited warranty.  Forcing a customer (who has already spent over $1,600) to spend hundreds of extra dollars for a limited one-year warranty to cover defective goods is a highly questionable business practice. I agreed to spend 3-4 times the price than I would spend purchasing these plants from a local nursery by relying on the representations of FGT that these were high quality plants. These plants were planted and treated under optimal conditions - they were just defective and unhealthy when shipped. This is evidenced by the very fact that all the other plants which were planted at the same time and treated under the same conditions are thriving, and that these gardenias all died within several months.  I have been in contact with this company about these issues, including providing pictures of the dead gardenia sticks, on several occasions, to no avail. It is very apparent that this company charged an exorbitant rate for defective goods, and their actions in this instance candidly seem fraudulent. I am extremely disappointed with this companys products and customer service they do not stand behind their plants. 
  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/13/2023

  We have contacted the customer and agreed to issue store credit for the prive the customer paid for the gardenisa on this order as a customer courtesey. The store credit in the value of $603.06 has been issued to the customers inbox.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/14/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Thank you. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/06/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My complaint is about bait & switch I went on fast trees website at 7:15 am bought peach tree that said BOGO then ordered 2 additional pyres When I received my receipt I only had one peach tree I immediately contacted fast trees through chat ( said fastest way) spoke to the most condescending rep who pretty much blamed me told me HAF to add two trees then said the tree I wanted had been sold out If it was sold out why was it on the website then ????! The rep refunded my peach tree now no BzoGo no peach tree Ok so didnt seem kosher again thinking bait & switch Called customer service spoke to ****** who was nice but short didnt seem like it was her problem when I tried to explain the timeline she said I can see it and if I took a snap shot of the bogo ???? What She said it was a sale that ended yesterday Thats cool but it was still on the website at 7 this morning and should be honored also why was it on the website if it was sold out ?????So no customer service no reps that wanted to help Then she said a supervisor would call back no name of supervisor and i asked what number she gave me some old number I havent had in 10 yrs do Im not guessing theyre calling me back So they offered a bogo on a product they didnt have a web page u magically are suppose to know how to navigate when theres no instructions snd if anything goes wrong they blame you Not even a try at compensation or s resolution then I said twice just cancel the whole order snd they wont well let me see And nothing Not a stand up company with zero customer service sketchy advertising now Im afraid to get their product

  Business Response

  Date: 09/07/2023

  Our BOGOpromotion for Labor Day weekend was for select sizes and items. Unfortunatly the 4 to 5 foot peach tree was not included in the promotion. We are so sorry for any inconvience this may have caused. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/07/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  They gave three different reason one I didnt add two to get discount then I only had to add one for the discount ehen I ordered the bogo was there when I inquired later it said it was sold out the sale ended it was the wrong one 

  it was clearly an illegal bait & switch 

  Business Response

  Date: 09/09/2023

  We are so sorry you were unable to take advantage of our BOGO promotion. Your order was for One 4-5 foot Harvester peach and unfortunatly this size was not included in this promotion. The size that was bogo was the 3 to 4 foot Harvester. It looks like when you had requested for us to change the order, we no longer had the 3 to 4 foot in stock to exchange this.Your order has been cancelled and a full refund was issued. We sincierly appalogize for any inconvience this may have caused.