1. How tall are the trees? Is a ten foot tree ten feet tall?

Answer: The length refers to the actual trunk length. A ten foot tree has a trunk that is ten feet long. Trees are typically placed about 18" in the ground, and the fronds rise above the trunk two feet or more. So, the trunk of a ten foot tree installed will be about 8 1/2 feet high; the top of the fronds will be over 10 1/2 feet high.

2. How is the tree attached to the ground?

Answer: It is "planted" in the ground just like a wooden post. North River Palm trunks are made of pressure-treated pine--the same material used for most utility poles. It will stay in direct contact with the ground for many years without deterioration.

3. How can I install a tree on a concrete deck?

Answer: There are basically three ways. One, you can get a large planter and anchor it to the slab or put a lot of ballast in it. Two, you can cut a hole the size of the trunk (usually 4" - 6 1/2") in the slab and dig a few inches past the slab; then mount the tree in the hole. Three, you can drill a hole about 3/4" diameter through the slab and drive a solid steel bar into the hole and about a foot into the underlying soil. Leave at least 6" of the bar above the slab. Drill a slightly larger hole in the base of the trunk, and slip the trunk over the "artificial root."

If you mount directly on the slab, as in the second and third examples, you can build a small "planter" around the base of the tree and put soil or rocks in it. That makes the tree appear to be growing in a large void in the concrete.

4. Will North River Palms endure extreme heat and cold?

Answer: Extreme heat or cold do not adversely affect North River Palms.

5. Will high wind damage a North River Palm?

Answer: If you use the adhesive supplied with your tree, fill each frond hole in the trunk with the frond stems and adhesive, and use the wedge nails that are supplied, your tree will withstand extremely high winds. Trees in Alabama have withstood gale force (65+ mph) winds without losing fronds. These same winds uprooted pine trees and hardwood trees.

Some people like to remove the fronds during winter months, so they do not use the permanent adhesive supplied with the tree. They use a less permanent adhesive, such as silicon, or no adhesive at all. These trees can lose fronds in extremely high winds.

6. Will snow damage my tree?

Answer: A constant snow load can make the fronds tend to sag more than usual. They can be re-bent into their normal position.  Otherwise, snow, ice, or frigid temperatures do not adversely affect the trees.

7. How long are the fronds?

Answer: The cycas fronds are 36 inches long; the areca fronds are  30 inches long.

8. Are longer fronds available?

Answer: Fronds longer than 36 inches can be problematic in supporting their own weight and in resisting wind damage. Selection of outdoor artificial palm fronds involves several considerations, including strength, weight, durability, appearance, and cost. Fronds over 3' in length are inherently less durable and much more expensive.  I do sell the longer fronds on a special order basis for those who need fronds for their own trunks.

9. How long does it take to get my tree?

I finish the trees as the orders are received. It usually takes one to two weeks to get your tree shipped after payment is made. Transit time to most points in the USA is one week or less. Total lag time after the order is consummated is two to three weeks.

10. Can I order just fronds?

Yes.  The areca fronds are $5.50 each; the cycas fronds are $8.20 each.  Shipping is $7.50 plus 6% of the cost of the fronds.

11. What should I look for in an artificial palm tree?

Durability, realistic appearance, and economy are the three most important factors.  You want your tree to look good and last a long time.  If you want to buy a durable, good looking tree without mortgaging the ranch, you have come to the right place!