Frequently Asked Questions

How does DIY Trees help me grow trees?

We give you all the knowledge and materials to grow your tree. No green thumb required. Our tree kits consider everything you'll need other than a shovel and water.

Where can I grow InnovaTree & TurboTree?

InnovaTree thrives in the Midwest in zones 3-6. TurboTree is able to grow nearly everywhere, but does best in zones 2-7.

What USDA Hardiness Zone am I located in?

Follow this link to use your zip code to find your Zone

How late in the season can I plant my trees?

You can safely plant your trees in the ground up to a month before the first hard frost of the season.

What if my tree isn't getting tall enough to harden per the instructions?

Our instructions ask you to keep your tree indoors until it's about 8 inches tall. However, sometimes the trees just stall growing in their grow pods. So, if it has been 2 weeks or more since you've received your tree and it's still not at 8 inches, that's fine. Please follow the hardening instructions despite it being undersized. Your tree prefers being in the ground and will thrive once planted.

What are the recommended landscaping uses?

  • Fast shade for landscaping
  • Ash and Buckthorn tree replacement
  • Shelterbelts / Windbreaks
  • Privacy screens
  • Erosion control
  • Reforestation
  • Soil pollution clean-up
  • Biomass feedstock
  • Quick carbon capture

How tall will the trees grow?

75 to 100 feet in as little as 10 years!

How long do they live?

A well-cared for Hybrid Poplar can grow over 50 years.

Are the trees GMO?

No, our Hybrid Poplar trees are not GMOs. They were grown through extensive selective breeding only.

How far apart should I space the trees from each other and my house?

Plant similar trees a minimum of 8-16 feet apart for dense privacy.

Due to InnovaTree’s and TurboTree's rapid root and tree growth, it is recommended that these trees are planted at least 25 feet away from any structures, septic systems or wells. Do not plant underneath power lines.

How fast do the trees grow?

InnovaTree can grow up to 10ft per year. TurboTree can grow up to 12ft per year in ideal conditions. They will not grow this fast in their first year, but should in subsequent years.

What kind of guarantee do I get?

If your tree fails to grow in the first year, we will replace it for free. This excludes the tree being damaged by you or an animal. If it's too late in the season, we will ship out a replacement for the next season.

Is it normal for roots to poke through the burlap bag?

Yes, do not worry. The roots will frequently poke through, but they will stop growing much further once they hit the air.

Is it normal for mushrooms to be growing out of the burlap sack?

Yes, this is perfectly normal. The soil has been inoculated with with mycorrhizal fungi to strengthen the tree's disease resistance. Sometimes, these spores produce mushrooms. The mushrooms will die if you set the tree outside in the Sun for a few hours for the hardening phase.

How long do you recommend the pest guard stays around the tree after planting?

We recommend the pest guard stay up for the first year to two years.  It's effective against rabbit and rodent damage to the trunk even after the tree outgrows the fence. Rabbits and rodents love the fresh bark.

What should I do with my young tree over Winter?

InnovaTree and TurboTree are bred for extreme Winters, so you don't need to worry about protecting them from the cold. However, deer are the real problem. If your tree is taller than the cage we provide, you can put some burlap over the top of the tree to protect them from top browsing.

The other worry is blowing snowblower snow and salt on the trees. Please direct your snowblower chute elsewhere and keep the salt away. Other than that, the trees should bounce back well once the ground warms up.