Frequently Asked Questions
Do your trees have a warranty?
Our trees are guaranteed to arrive at your address in a healthy and living condition. Once delivered, we will warranty our trees for 30 days. If you tree dies before this time we will replace or refund your tree. Long term, we cannot guarantee the health of the tree as the ultimate success of your tree will be dependent on the care given during planting and the weeks that follow. However, if at any time you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us to discuss available options. Please see our “Our Guarantee” page for more info.
Are you a licensed nursery?
Yes! Sycamore Ridge Farm is a licensed nursery within the state of Kentucky. License #566A
How will my tree arrive?
All our trees are shipped planted inside their own Root Pouch. This adds some additional costs on our end but gives you several advantages. During shipping, the root pouch will help protect the root system along with keeping the tree from drying out. Once delivered at your address, if you decide to not plant the tree right away the root pouch will allow you to continue grow your tree until you can plant. Lastly, if you choose to you can plant the tree with the root pouch directly in the ground. Once our tree goes dormant we may ship your tree without its Root Pouch. Once our trees enter dormancy, it listed on our products page so that you know how your tree will arrive.
Why do you grow your trees in Root Pouches?
Root pouches are better for the tree and better for the environment. When growing the tree in the root pouch, the root system of the tree is naturally air pruned as the roots expand. This helps prevent root circling that often occurs when growing in traditional black plastic containers. The root pouches are manufactured from a 50/50 blend of natural fibers and recycled plastic bottles. The root pouches can be planted with the tree where traditional containers must be discarded.
What time of year can I plant a tree?
The species of the tree being planted should always be taken into consideration. In general, evergreens do best when planted in early spring but can also be planted up until early fall without much concern. Decidous trees can for the most part be planted year round. Early spring is a great time as is early to late fall. Summer plantings are acceptable with the main concern being high day time temparatures and lack of rain. Summer plantings mean providing your tree with extra waterings to ensure a successful transplant. For areas with high summer temperatures (90+ consistently), a fall planting may be best as it gives the tree time to establish new roots during cooler temperatures.
What time of year can I plant a tree?
The species of the tree being planted should always be taken into consideration. In general, evergreens do best when planted in early spring but can also be planted up until early fall without much concern. Deciduous trees can for the most part be planted year-round. Early spring is a great time as is early to late fall. Summer plantings are acceptable with the main concern being high day time temperatures and lack of rain. Summer plantings mean providing your tree with extra watering to ensure a successful transplant. For areas with high summer temperatures (90+ consistently), a fall planting may be best as it gives the tree time to establish new roots during cooler temperatures.
Why did my tree lose leaves after planting?
Trees are living organisms and are influenced by their surrounding environment. Transplanting a tree to its new home can be traumatic on a tree depending on the time of year. When a tree is in its growing season (early spring to late summer) it will occasionally lose or drop leaves earlier than expected. These can occur for a couple reason but often it is related to heat stress. During hot summer months when temperatures exceed 90+ degrees, it is not uncommon for young trees to show this stress by losing its leaves early. Additionally, when the tree is planted if any roots are cut or severed this may cause the tree to go into early dormancy. In almost all cases this will not kill the tree, however it may end the growing season for that tree.
How can I tell if my tree is alive?
If for any reason you believe your tree is not alive, you can test this by performing a scratch test on the base of the tree. Gently scratch away a thin section of bark off the base of the tree. If any green is visible than the tree is still alive. If gray or brown is visible, then it is likely the tree has died.