FAQs about Recognition Rocks & Trees

Below are answers to questions that are commonly asked by our customers about the Recognition Rocks and Trees we offer.

These unique and practical landscape accents are quickly becoming the preferred way to showcase plaques up to 11" (W) x 8 1/2" (H) in size at parks, school and college campuses, churches, residences, public plazas and corporate offices.  They are the common-sense alternative to the cost and difficulty of acquiring, moving and installing a real tree or boulder weighing hundreds, or thousands, of pounds for that purpose. 

Frequently used to memorialize a loved one who has passed away, these products are primarily used to mount plaques that commemorate special events or achievements, individual and corporate donors, volunteers, outstanding or retiring managers or employees, and other occasions!

How are the replica rocks and trees manufactured and shipped?
The rugged castings are hollow, approx. one-inch thick, and open at the bottom.

Standard size rocks & trees: The rocks weigh between 50-60 lbs. but are exact replicas of rocks that weigh 800-1,000 lbs.  The trees are 40-70 lbs.  All are manufactured from construction-grade GFRC cast stone to withstand freeze-thaw conditions and 9,000 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure.

Estate Size rocks: The larger estate boulders are normally shipped with your plaque already installed via FedEx Ground in 350-lb. test, double-walled corrugated boxes using an industrial foam-in-place packaging system for maximum protection. They require a lift-gate truck or loading dock for delivery.

How many years will they last outdoors?
Due to modern high-performance polymers and other scientifically-developed, construction-grade admixtures, our GFRC cast stone replications are designed to last for generations--even in freeze-thaw conditions and in the face of mowers, watering and trimming--and typically wear in the same manner as, or superior to, natural rock.

The reproductions are actually one of the few products that will look better with age as the elements (i.e., rain, sun and snow) give them an even more lifelike, weathered appearance with each passing year.

A national expert in the restoration of historical monuments made from marble and granite such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (who represents the firm that did most of the artifact restoration for the HMS Titanic) has estimated GFRC cast stone products will last 100-150 years before requiring any restoration work.  In fact, he said that is about the same duration after which monuments made from other materials such as marble and granite need work.

Do the monuments require special care?
The replica rock and tree monuments are made to last outdoors for generations without any special maintenance or care, whether located in high humidity, extreme heat or freeze-thaw conditions.

Is there a manufacturer’s product guarantee?
A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is offered for the lifetime of each reproduction if the craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of naturally-occurring adjustments in color).  Customers with a valid defective craftsmanship claim will receive an immediate replacement with an identical model once the product is returned and the claim is confirmed.

How are the rocks and trees colored?
Detailed molds for the Recognition Rocks and Trees are taken from actual boulders found in nature. Then, the cast stone is enhanced with permanent natural shades using a proprietary coloring process which requires no special maintenance in the future.

What choice of natural colors are available?
There are three natural colors to choose for the rocks: Slate Gray (popular in the Midwest and East Coast areas of the United States), Sandstone and Red Rock. The trees are offered in Gray and Red-Brown bark colors.  Examples of these colors are available elsewhere on this website.

Can the rocks and trees be ordered with an urn for cremated remains?
Yes, for an additional charge, the Recognition Rocks and Trees can be ordered with a 250-cubic-inch, moisture-resistant internal receptacle for cremated remains or keepsakes already manufactured into it. The thick, industrial-grade polyvinyl chloride urn and threaded cap are accessed from under each model and opened and closed by hand so the "cremains" or keepsakes can be placed inside the receptacle.

What if we need an urn for two sets of cremated remains?
Make this request at the time of ordering and, for an additional charge, the internal moisture-resistant, 250 cubic-inch urn will be extended to double the size so it can hold two sets of cremains.  Please note the double urn will further extend below the bottom of the rock or tree and will therefore require a small hole be excavated into the soil directly underneath where it is going to be finally placed so that the urn rests inside it.

Do the rock and tree prices include a custom bronze plaque?
All of our Recognition Rocks and Recognition Trees can include a hand-chiseled recess for a plaque up to 11" (W) x 8 1/2" (H) while the trees are designed for plaques 7 1/2" (W) x 5" (H) or smaller.  The plaque is  pre-installed by the manufacturer into a hand-chiseled recess in the rock or tree before being shipped to its final destination.

Who determines the plaque layout? What if a mistake on the plaque is our fault?
We reserve the right to determine the style, size, capitalization and layout of the text provided according to the plaque space available to ensure the most professional appearance possible unless a specific request is received from a customer for a particular layout at the time of ordering. Most importantly, we are not responsible or liable in any way for misspellings or errors in fact contained in the information submitted by customers. 

Is it possible to see a proof of the plaque layout before it is cast?
Yes. We will provide a free proof of the plaque layout for your approval before it is sent to the bronze foundry for casting.

How many days before we receive our order? How will it be shipped?
Please refer to the Availability statement with your product for turnaround times. Since they can weigh between 40-70 lbs., all of the rocks and trees are carefully packaged in 350-lb. test double-wall corrugated boxes using an industrial foam-in-place system to protect them during transit. They are then shipped via FedEx Ground.

We ordered a Recognition Rock with an internal receptacle. How do we place the cremated remains or keepsakes inside it?
Easy-to-follow instructions are included with each Recognition Rock and Tree.

Should we worry about possible theft of our rock or tree?
The Recognition Rocks and Trees are so life-like that it's unlikely anyone is going to bother with what appears to be a natural 600-800 lb. natural boulder that would require incredible effort to move. 

However, if you feel it's necessary to be secure for the placement location, we suggest the use of the heavy-duty metal eye bolt manufactured underneath each rock and tree for anti-theft purpose. To use this feature, purchase four items from a local hardware or home improvement store: 1). An inexpensive key or combination lock, 2). A small sack of "just-add-water" quick-drying cement, 3). A five-gallon plastic bucket  and 4). A three-foot-long piece of sturdy 2/0 or 3/0 straight link chain (75 cents-$1 per foot). 

Then, dig a hole directly below where the rock or tree will be finally placed, use the lock to secure one end of the chain onto the metal eye bolt, mix the cement in a bucket, fill the hole with the cement slurry, push as much of the remaining length of chain into the cement, and rest the rock or tree over the hole where the chain can dry in the cement and serve as an anchor. 

Do we display the Recognition Tree differently than the Recognition Rock?
For added realism and stability, we recommend burying the bottom edge of the trees 3-4 inches below ground.