Everything we ship is either a living plant or a hand-built sculpture, so delivery is part of the craft. This page is the honest version of how your order travels, what it costs, and what to do the day it arrives.
Small and medium pieces: UPS Ground
Most items ship UPS Ground from our distribution center. Allow 2–4 weeks for in-stock items unless we tell you otherwise; items ordered together may ship separately. Live boxwood up to about 42 inches travels this way, packed upright in a custom box built for the plant’s weight — mature specimens run 65 to 80 pounds. Live plants ship early in the week so they never sit in a depot over a weekend.
Large pieces: freight
Live cones and spirals over about 42 inches, and any large sculpture, travel by LTL freight on a pallet or in a crate. Plants ride upright, braced, with moisture-retaining packing. The carrier calls to arrange a delivery window.
Freight has real costs that depend on the build, so on large custom work we give an estimated quote up front and confirm the final cost when the piece is ready to ship. The charges that can apply:
- Crate construction or pallet preparation
- Tailgate lift at delivery, if you have no way to unload a pallet — the carrier bills this, so tell us in advance
Where the design allows it, we build large topiaries in sections that ship in standard boxes instead. That usually costs less than freight, avoids the tailgate lift entirely, and the piece assembles on site.
The day it arrives
- Inspect before you sign. If there is damage, note it on every copy of the delivery receipt and keep yours. If the driver will not allow inspection, refuse the shipment.
- Report damage within 24 hours at 866-306-1020, and keep all packaging.
- Live plants: unpack promptly, water deeply, and read the care card in the box. The extended version is our receiving and care FAQ.
- Residential freight: someone must be there to sign. A commercial address is easier for freight if you have one; gated communities and missed windows can carry carrier charges.
Measuring and sizes
Plant heights are measured from the soil line to the top of the plant. Sculpture dimensions are the frame’s true height, width and depth, listed on each product page. If you are between sizes or unsure what fits your space, ask us before ordering — it is easier than returning a 70-pound plant.
Shipping costs and coverage
Delivery is to the continental U.S. Cart shipping covers UPS-sized pieces; freight-quoted pieces show their delivery as quoted with the piece, so nothing is hidden in the price. Sales tax is calculated at checkout.
