Since this is a busy time of the year for shipping trees, this month we would like to address the topics of packaging and shipping.  Over the course of several years, we have received a few comments from customers regarding damage done during shipping.  A few seem to think we have failed to package properly.   In order to maximize the number of trees shipped per box, and to save our customers freight cost, we package the potted root ball from both ends of the box.  If a shipper drops a heavy box of trees on its end, the pots on the other end may slide down against the opposing trees and, thus, trees on both ends can be broken. 

We have experimented with numerous ways to pack trees to minimize damage, assuming there is little that can be done to influence how shippers handle our tree packages.  The only way we have found to minimize tree movement in a box is to pack them as tightly as possible.  We use bubble wrap and lots of newspapers to pack tightly to cramp tree pots so they will not move even if the box is dropped.  

As our trees get taller, another issue has been identified.  Standard boxes are 4 foot long or less.  Longer boxes are hard to find and are very expensive, so we rarely pack trees in boxes longer than 4 feet.  Some trees are slightly longer than 4 feet so the top is wrapped around inside the box, but this is only done with tree species that are flexible and that we know can be slowly straightened again.  Customers need only to flex it back straight several times until it stays straight; otherwise we suggest customers use a stake alongside the tree and a loose tie to hold it straight for a month or so. 

If a tree arrives broken, more often than not these young trees will live and within a year will restore a new leader and within a couple of years the break will not be visible.  Packing tightly may crush some needles or some leaves but that has no affect on the tree at all.  Stronger boxes or added box supports will only add additional cost to shipping which is already expensive. 

Another issue for customers is the size of the trees we ship.  We understand most customers want a larger tree.  We will not ship trees taller than will fit in a 4 foot box without having to bend the tree.  Some species will no longer be offered online because all of them are taller than our maximum.  Any special size requests must be done by calling us.  Asking for special sizes in a comment online will not be sufficient. 

Lastly, this also applies to special shipping requests.  We prefer not to accept an order weeks ahead of a requested ship date.  Simply place your order within the week when you want the tree to arrive and normal ground UPS will get your trees to you on time.  We should remind our customers that TECH TREES is a "mom and pop" or more accurate "grandma and grandpa" operation.  We have no employees and we do the best we can to provide a quality native tree at the best price and packaged to arrive in good order.  Thank you for your business and we hope you all are having a good 2012 planting season.  TECH TREES.