Shipping Living Trees Is Different
A tree is alive when it leaves us, alive while it travels, and alive when it arrives at your door. That is why we treat shipping as part of the care process.
We pack each tree with the goal of protecting the root system, preserving moisture, reducing movement, and limiting stress during transit. Our shipping method may vary depending on tree size, season, destination, and product format. Early starter trees may ship as saplings or small starter trees in protective tubes or similar plant-safe packaging.
The packaging may change. The principle will not: the tree should be packed like a living thing, not an object.
Because we ship living trees, shipping timing may depend on tree size, season, destination, weather, and transit conditions. Whenever possible, we avoid shipping during extreme heat, freezing temperatures, severe storms, or weather patterns that could leave a live tree sitting too long in unsafe conditions.
Sometimes the most responsible thing we can do is wait for safer shipping conditions.
What to Do When Your Tree Arrives
- Open your package as soon as possible after delivery.
- Remove the tree carefully.
- Inspect the foliage, leader, root area, and overall condition.
- Check the moisture around the roots.
- Water if the root area feels dry.
- Keep the tree protected from harsh sun, wind, heat, or cold until planting.
- Plant as soon as conditions are appropriate.
We stand behind the condition of the trees we ship. If your tree arrives dead, severely damaged, broken beyond recovery, or clearly compromised from shipping, contact us promptly so we can review the issue. Depending on the situation, we may offer a replacement, store credit, refund, or care guidance. All arrival claims require timely photo documentation.
The first year is the most important establishment period for a privacy tree. Survival depends on planting depth, watering, drainage, heat, cold, soil, sun exposure, planting timing, animal damage, and ongoing care. But we do want to support you. If your tree begins showing stress during the first year, reach out early.
What the Guarantee Does Not Cover
- Failure to open the package promptly / leaving the tree boxed
- Failure to water after arrival
- Planting too deep
- Letting the root ball dry out
- Overwatering or poor drainage
- Underwatering or drought stress
- Extreme weather after arrival
- Planting outside recommended growing zones
- Unsuitable light or site conditions
- Neglect or lack of ongoing care
- Animal, lawn equipment, storm, or flooding damage
- Excessive fertilizer or damage from transplanting/moving
Draft policy language — to be reviewed by owner/legal before publishing.
What photos to include
For arrival issues: the package, the whole tree, the top leader, any broken areas, the foliage, the root area, and the shipping label or package condition.
For care questions: the whole tree, close-ups of browning or color change, trunk base, mulch ring, soil, the wider planting site, watering details, planting date, growing zone or location, and recent weather.