Buying "big" comes with specific risks that require careful vetting:

: It is tempting to buy the tallest tree in the nursery, but experts warn against "supermarket bargains" that may have been overfed to produce lush top growth at the expense of a weak root system. A tree with an underdeveloped root ball is far more likely to fail in wind or drought.

The price of maturity is steep. A 5-to-8-year-old Japanese Maple can cost upwards of $130, and larger specimens often run into the thousands. Beyond the initial price tag, the biological cost includes a longer recovery period; a mature tree may take several years to fully "sink its roots" and begin growing at its normal rate after the trauma of being moved. Putting Down Roots - Michael Pollan

: Trees grown in poly-tunnels or greenhouses may suffer "leaf scorch" if moved directly into full sun. Purchasing from nurseries that "pre-harden" their stock in full sun is essential for outdoor success.