FAQ's and Other Information
Q. What is the Ameri-Willow?
A. The Ameri-Willow is a hybrid willow tree. There are many species of willows, most are shrubs or small trees, but the Ameri-Willow is a large fast-growing American hybrid.
Q. How fast will the Ameri-Willow grow?
A. The first year they can grow up to eight feet, or more, depending on the climate and growing conditions. The next several years, they can grow up to fifteen feet a year. After about the fifth year, the growth rate slows down as the tree spreads outwards instead of upwards.
Q. What is the Aus-Tree?
A. the Aus-Tree or Rocky Mountain Aus-Tree is a fast-growing hybrid willow, but it is a different "species" or hybrid than Our Ameri-Willow. As far as we know, it is a fast grower and suitable for the same planting purposes. The company make some claims we question, but you need to do your own research about that. As far as the tree goes, it is similar.
Q. Is the Ameri-Willow an Evergreen?
A. No. Sorry to say, like most other broadleaf trees, these will drop their leaves in the fall. For a year-round screen, also plant a row of evergreens. The combination of fast-growth and year-round screening works well together. Give that some thought.
Q. Do we guarantee our trees and plants?
A. Yes and no... but not really. We have a limited replacement period that mostly covers the shipping and initial period. We are confident in our quality and procedures, so we don't offer a blanket "guarantee" per se. Should you have a problem with your plants, then let us know right away. For instance, if you plant them after they arrive and give them reasonable care like stated on the planting instructions, and they never leaf or just turn brown and die, then we will replace those with no problem or costs to you. Once plants leave the nursery, its hard to guarantee they will be taken care of, and most problems are related to the package carrier. Mistakes happen, and we'll do as much as possible to make your purchase a happy one. Do read the Shipping-Policy webpage (http://www.cdr3.com/shipping) to learn more. We can not guarantee growth or performance.
Q. Does the Ameri-Willows send out root suckers?
A. No. Ameri-Willows are sterile clones, and will not sprout new trees from the roots like some species of willow.
Q. How far away should they be planted from septic lines, building, driveways, and other sensitive areas?
A. We say at least ten feet away from these areas. All trees should be given ample space from sensitive areas, leaky pipes, etc. The theory is that is you give them plenty of water, and they tend not to spread their roots. The root system is shallow, and can be wide-spreading, but the roots are not thick, so they will easily grow around obstacles.
Q. What pests or diseases effect fast-growing trees?
A. Generally, a healthy tree will keep pests or pathogens away. Aphids and other insects can become a problem at times, but there are sprays and treatments for these at all garden centers. Checking your trees throughout the season will prevent any insect problems from getting out of control. Your local garden center can help you should a pest arise.
Should a tree get damaged, it could become more susceptible to insects or pathogens. Use a tree-paint for trunks or larger branches that get scraped or damaged.
Q. How much fertilizer should I use?
A. Answering "how much" exactly is difficult. Go sparingly at first, allowing the trees to get established. A small handful (of just about any type of fertilizer) sprinkled around the tree, and watered-in, should be fine. Then as they start to push their growth, add more. You can use something like Miracle Grow or Peter's, and even lawn fertilizer with the strong nitrogen content works well. Otherwise use whatever you may have. A handful or bucket solution around the tree once a month during the spring and summer should be fine.
Q. How close do you plant my trees?
A. They are generally planted five to six feet apart for fencelines or screens, or in areas of excessive moisture. The spacing can be anywhere from 4 to 15 feet apart depending on how you plan to use your trees.
Q. Will deer and other animals eat the leaves?
A. It is possible. Poplar and willow leaves, may be nibbled, especially if there is limited natural food around. Fencing or other controls may be needed, at least until the trees are large enough. Chicken wire or mesh screen around them for the first few years may be needed.
Q. I want to plant windbreaks, but we live in a very windy area, and I'm afraid of breaking branches. What do you suggest?
A. Although any trees can be planted as a windbreak, including our Ameri-Willows, wind or winter damage is possible. Healthy trees will withstand damage better, but still, damage is a fact of nature. A properly designed windbreak has several "layers" or rows, ideally planted with different species of trees and shrubs. You can also plant several rows of the Ameri-Willow, which will strengthen the wind barrier, and reduce the chance of breakage.
Q. How long have we grown trees?
A. We started our first tree crop in 1973, and we haven't stopped yet.
Q. What other trees do you have?
A. If you go to our catalog, you will see a more trees listed, and we are adding trees all of the time. Do keep in mind, that if there is a species you are looking for, drop us a note, and we will find it for you.
Q. How may we contact you since you dont have a phone number?
A. We do have a phone, but we prefer you contact us via E-Mail. We have had full customer phone support in the past, and we may again in the future, but we find it more efficient to use email.
Due to the volume of Spam and virus-infected junk mail, we use a user-initiated contact form. There are email-links are found on all of the webpages. We are also glad to hear from our friends and customers by regular mail. Any time you have a question or comment, feel free to drop us a note.
Q. How fast do Christmas trees grow? How about other trees?
A. There are several factors that influence tree growth, as well as the genetic qualities of each species. Christmas tree growth, or any tree, is always a tough answer. Slow-growing trees such as true firs or spruce, may grow a foot a year, as a general rule of thumb. Therefore, a six foot Christmas tree would take about six years after it gets planted. That can vary considerably, it is only a "ballpark" rule. On the other extreme are the Ameri-Willows, that will grow 8, 10, or maybe 15 feet a year. There again, it can vary.
Q. How will my order be shipped?
A. We will ship your order the most efficient means practical. We use Fed-Ex Ground primarily, but Priority Mail and Fed-Ex Air as per request.
Q. How about Payment?
A. You can pay by check, money order, cashiers check, credit card, and PayPal. USA funds only, please. We accept Visa and MasterCard. When you place your order, specify the type of payment. Your order will be confirmed by e-mail or regular mail. Payment must be made prior to shipment. Sorry, no C.O.D.'s.
Q. Do I need to use the electronic Order Form?
A. No. You may download or copy the order form or our catalog, you can print it, and send it via regular mail. You can also take notes from this website and send us a letter stating how many of what you want. Whatever way it works for you, we're flexible.
Q. Is my credit card and other information secure?
A. Yes! First, we do have a Secure Order Form, that uses an encryption code, so your information remains safe. Then, all information we receive remains perfectly secure and only selected office personnel ever handle it. And certainly, we keep ALL information strictly private. Go see our Privacy Statement.
Q. If we decide that these are not the tree for our needs, what else do you have?
A. Yes true! The Ameri-willow is good tree, but not suited for every planting situation. Our hope is that this webpage and our other webpages helps you figure out which trees might be best for your particular needs. We have plenty of links to our other webpages, so do click around the Catalog, the Fast-Growers webpage, and the rest... there should be something that will work for you.
Read more about our Shipping and other Policies, and our Privacy Statement by... Clicking Here!