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DONOR TREE OVERVIEW
Choose from one of our many donor tree styles. All trees come with the trunk, quantity of leaves/modules ordered, installation hardware, and a full-size paper template to make placement and installation easy.

All leaves will already be mounted to acrylic modules to save you time (except for where the modules mount to the wall, these few leaves will need to be installed using the included hardware). Watch a sample installation video here to get a preview or watch as you install (the tree style shown may not be the same that you've ordered, but the overall instruction will be similar). Step-by-step installation instructions will also be included with your order (email us if you need another copy).
The leaves come in two different material options, Polymer or upgraded Metal. (polymer is a type of plastic, with a brushed metallic face to look like metal). Polymer leaves have the option to add engraved text, and the leaves are available in Brushed Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze, or Verde Green. Metal leaves have the option to add imprinted text, and the leaves are available in Satin Gold, Silver, or Copper. See the leaf colors HERE.
The variety of leaf colors are available so you can designate many levels of giving if necessary. For example, Gold would be for your highest donors, silver for mid-level givers and copper for your lower donations. Use donor accessories (like Stone, Acorns, etc.) for additional levels of giving.

Adding text to the leaves is not included. Current pricing will be listed just below the tree image on it's individual webpage. It is most economical to wait until you have at least 6 or more leaves to complete at once for the lowest imprinting price and to reduce shipping charges overtime.

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How long does it take for my tree to be delivered?
Most of our trees require 2-3 weeks for production, which begins upon receipt of payment and proof approval (if applicable). Shipping time depends on your location but is usually 2-5 business days (we are located in MN).

Should I put my Donor Recognition Tree up now or wait until our campaign is further along?
Put it up now, even if the leaves are all blank, because your new tree will be a motivating tool that will fuel giving. If on a tight budget, start with a smaller tree if necessary, but be sure to leave space around the sides and top so you can expand the tree overtime.

Do we need to have text information for ALL leaves on the tree at the time of ordering?
No! It is uncommon for this to happen. In fact, having some blank leaves on your tree can help entice new donors to fill it. Once you're ready to add text to blank leaves, just order the engraving/imprinting service online HERE (see full instructions on the linked page under "Description"), mail us your leaves and provide the text information by email. We'll complete them and send them back to replace them on your tree.

How do you prefer we provide the list for text information?
We require text in a format that we can easily copy-paste to help save on time and avoid typing/spelling errors. Email over a prepared Word Doc, Spreadsheet, or in just in the body of an email works great. If utilizing a spreadsheet, do not separate lines of text into columns, use rows only.

How much text can fit on a leaf?
We recommend up to 23 characters/spaces per line, and up to 3 lines of text per leaf. Text size may vary per account and font choice but we don't recommend going smaller than 14pt. The same font/size will be used on ALL of your leaves from the initial approved tree order.

What if I have a leaf where the donor requires A LOT of text?
If the donor is not willing to shorten their text request, we may be able to work around this by using a smaller text size on this leaf only, breaking the text into more than 3 lines, or even "squishing" it to fit on the leaf. A preview will be provided in this case to confirm any inconsistencies from your typical sizing or format.

How is text added to the leaves?
Polymer leaves will be laser engraved, revealing the black core material (text shows black). Metal leaves will be Direct to Substrate UV Printed (black ink) on new accounts. If you choose to use a local engraver to add text to your leaves they may use a different process so we recommend sticking with the same vendor from the start to avoid variations in process, color, font, and sizing.

I have a tree, leaves, or other accessories from a different vendor, can you add text?
No - we do not process any products or materials that we did not originally supply due to the risk of damage to our machines or to your items. We also cannot guarantee a perfect match in previous process, color, font, or sizing.

Will you provide a proof of what the text looks like on the leaves before you proceed?
Yes, on your initial order only, to confirm the font/sizing on the leaves. Orders thereafter will not receive a proof as we will continue to use the same font/size as originally approved - just make sure to double-check spelling before providing the text information. If you're concerned about a particular set of text you can request a quick preview.

Will the text on the leaves fade?
Laser engraved text (polymer leaves) will not fade as the text has been etched into the surface of the leaf to reveal the core black material.

Direct to Substrate UV Printed text (metal leaves, new accounts post mid-2019) should not fade but it is still not recommended to install in direct sunlight, even if only for a portion of the daytime. When installed under only artificial light it should last lifetimes.

Heat Press Sublimated text (metal leaves, old accounts prior to mid-2019) will fade over-time and much faster if installed in direct sunlight, even if only for a portion of the daytime. We no longer use this process on new accounts for this reason as the technology available has improved (if you have Heat Press Sublimated leaves we've continued to use it on new orders to ensure they have the same appearance as your already completed leaves). If you have Heat Press Sublimated leaves and text is becoming very faded please reach out to us if you're interested in replacing your leaves (***this is not a free service as the most up-to-date technology was used at the time of your account creation and tree production).

Why do you print and not engrave on metal leaves?
It's quicker, less expensive, and the text comes out blacker, bolder, and more legible. Engraving can cost as high as $0.45 per letter which can add up to over $31 for a 3-line engraving alone. Rotary engraving is also becoming obsolete; we don't offer this service.

Can we order the leaves WITHOUT holes?
Yes - the Polymer leaves can be ordered without holes by request (you must add a Comment on your order(s)). The polymer leaves are laser-cut in-house so if you're needing them without holes this is not a problem but may require an extra 1-2 business days as we typically inventory them with the holes (they'll need to be cut to-order). The Metal leaves cannot be made without holes and will come just as shown.

Can we order larger or different shaped leaves?
No - we only offer the two leaf shapes as shown: Standard (4"w x 1.5"h) or French Curve (3.25"w x 1.75"). A tool called a "jig" is used for alignment when adding text to the leaves during production. Each leaf shape and/or size would need to have their own custom jig made to complete this process. Having several leaf shapes/sizes can get very confusing when it comes time to add text and we're not currently interested in offering this option. For this reason, we also do not offer the Standard or French Curve leaves "flipped" or mirrored, nor engraved/imprinted at a different angle.

Can we change the leaf shape on our donor tree?
No - each of the trees are specially designed to fit either the Standard or French Curve leaf shape. They are not easily swapped out as alignment, spacing, screw holes on the modules, and all module cut-lines would need to be adjusted. Check out the Donor Tree Comparison Chart to help find a tree style that you like with the leaf shape that you prefer.

Can we design our own Donor Tree?
You can use the Freestyle Leaves HERE to arrange the leaves on your wall in your own custom pattern. We do not currently offer tree trunks for sale on their own, but you can have a local artist commission a painted trunk, or even a custom wood carved one.
Other than this option, we do not offer custom designed trees or layouts. A LOT of behind-the-scenes work goes into each of our trees, making the labor that goes into each design unaffordable on a single sale.

Do we have to install all the leaves ourselves, and is there a special way to arrange them?
For most of our trees, we will pre-install almost all of the leaves to the acrylic modules before they're to save you time. All you have to do is install the trunk, modules, and a few of the miscellaneous leaves that cover the module hardware upon install. If you have ordered different colored leaves, we recommend that leaves be dispersed throughout the tree in a random arrangement. Leaves are installed on the modules with two small screws so they can easily be re-arranged should you decide to arrange them different from how they arrive to you.
If ordering the Samara or Pomona, these leaves and/or apples are all installed individually so plan to have a timely project.

Will the Donor Tree be too heavy for the wall?
No, not at all. All the weight is spread out and distributed on the wall (brick or drywall). Use the included anchors to make sure the tree stays secure to the drywall.

Can I install the Donor Tree on brick, cement or block walls?
Yes, the hardware provided can be used for either sheetrock (drywall) or brick/block/cement walls.

Are your Donor Recognition Trees suitable for outdoor installation?
The Eila Donor Tree and Alona Donor Tree can be modified for outdoor installation by swapping out the Metal leaves for Metalgraph leaves (select this option from the drop-down menu when ordering) as these two tree styles have a Bronze tree trunk. The trunk is considered outdoor weatherable when the clear-coat is maintained (we recommend annual touch-ups). Metalgraph material is an outdoor weatherable plastic with a brushed metallic face, available in Brushed Gold, Silver, or Copper. When selecting the alternative Metalgraph material, the screws holding the leaves on the tree will be swapped out to plastic to avoid corrosion and possible staining of the leaves. All other tree styles are only available for indoor installation. Solo leaves and other donor tree accessories are for indoor use only.

How high on the wall do I install my Donor Tree?
Typically you want the middle of the tree installed at about eye level. Be sure to leave room around the outer-edges if you will be expanding your tree in the future (refer to larger sizes of your tree to get an idea of how much space you'll want to leave as it "grows")

Can you give me a brief overview of your expanding modular trees? (Miki, Ornella, Moneta, Verbeena, Eila, Alona)
These trees consists of a trunk mounted flush against the wall, while leaves are mounted in groups to a clear 1/4" thick clear acrylic section called a "module" using two brass screws per leaf. Modules are mounted on the wall using spacers so they have a "floating" affect.

Why are the Eila and Alona trees so much more expensive?
Primarily because the trunks and branches are made of solid cast bronze which almost doubles the cost, versus a wood or resin trunk tree. Bronze is considered a "precious metal".


What are your payment options? Can you bill me later?
Payment can be made by card, check by mail, or Paypal (if mailing a check, we must receive it before production begins). If you're ordering under a Public School or Government entity we may accept a Purchase Order (certain restrictions and terms may apply). If full payment cannot be processed at once we can offer 50/50 payment terms by special request (50% payment to begin production, remaining 50% balance must be paid in-full before we ship out).

Do you provide discounts for non-profits?
We're sorry but we do not. Almost all of our customer base is made up of non-profit organizations, and we try to price our products as competitively as possible for this reason.

Will the leaves tarnish or age?
Polymer leaves will not tarnish. Metal leaves typically will not tarnish because they are poly-clear coated (you may add a fresh clear-coat now and then if you feel its needed). Over time, metal leaves may “pit” and corrode if placed outdoors, especially in a “salty” or high-humidity environment, like near the ocean. (we do not recommend outdoor installation with Metal leaves).

What are the Tree Accessories used for and where do we place them?
Accessories typically for your “big-hitters” - for or larger donations or special recognitions. Stones go at the bottom of your tree along the bottom baseline of your trunk. Apples and acorns generally go around the leaves, however, be aware that they may need to be moved someday if you expand and increase the number of leaves on your tree.

Do the prices for the Accessories include text engraving/imprinting?
No - adding text is an additional fee unique to the product. You can see the cost for adding text in the drop-down menu when ordering the accessory of your choice. Some accessories may also have an upgraded Brass plate option.

How many lines or how much text can fit on the Accessories?
Each of the accessory plate sizes vary so the amount of text that will fit will also vary. See the "Description" near the bottom of the product's page for specific unique information. You can always request a proof of the accessory if you're concerned about fit.

Why are BRONZE recognition stones and acorns so expensive?
They are made of solid cast bronze, which is a more expensive material and considered a previous metal. If you are on a tight budget, consider our resin stones or acorns (made of cast resin with fine impregnated bronze millings).

I worry about whether you can service us in the future and if you will be around?
We have been in business since 2004, and do not plan on going out of business! Our main business has changed ownership and name a few times but we are still the same team with the same values and strive to offer the best products. Nevertheless, leaves are available elsewhere, and many Award Shops can sublimate, engrave or print on the leaves.

I found the Eila Growing and Alona Great Trees on other websites.....why?
We sell many types of trees - some manufactured by us in-house and some not. The Eila and Alona trees are made by a manufacturer in Chicago who sells through distributors like us. Most of the time, we still bring these to our facility, and check the entire tree for quality and fit before shipping. In addition, all the leaf engraving/imprinting would still be done by us to assure your tree is perfect.

How much of a donation should I ask for the leaves?

This is difficult to answer. It depends on your demographics. For example, a large church located in a wealthy 3rd ring suburb in Chicago can ask more money for the leaves than a small rural church in the country. Other factors may play a role in what you can fetch for a leaf, such as how well you market your campaign, what your donations will be used for, etc.. Find more informative information here.

Do you help in making a marketing brochure?
No, we do not. The Sample Marketing Brochure on our website is just an example we provided that you may use as a guide. We can send you a pdf of this by email if you desire.


Not finding the information you're looking for? Email us at [email protected].