Here are questions that are commonly asked about our lifelike cast stone 
fake rocks and
trees which are popular for commercial and residential landscaping and locations such as
rooftop gardens and green roof projects that are difficult to access using real boulders.
• How are the fake rocks, boulders and trees manufactured?
• Do the artificial rocks look realistic?
• How durable are they over the years?
• Can I cover a pump or utility box with one?
• Do the boulders and trees require special care?
• How many different models are in the collection?
• Do you have larger sizes of fake rocks?
• What choice of natural colors are available?
• How are the fake rocks and trees shipped?
• What's the best method to unpack them?
• What's the typical turnaround time for an order?
• Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee?
• Can bronze plaques be mounted on the boulders?
How are the fake rocks, boulders and trees manufactured?
The rugged castings are manufactured from construction-grade GFRC cast stone to withstand 9,000 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure and a variety of climates with minimal maintenance and care. They are hollow, approx. one-inch thick, and open at the bottom. The standard-sized fake rocks weigh between 50-60 lbs. (but are exact replicas of real ones that would normally weigh 800-1,000 lbs.) while the trees weigh 40-70 lbs.
Do the artificial rocks look realistic?
Since detailed molds for the boulders are meticulously taken from actual rocks found in nature, customers are guaranteed a finished product that looks and feels like rock...even from inches away. They are just as realistic as our lightweight polyurethane faux rock models--which are better for covering septic tank lids, pumps, utility boxes and other items homeowners want to hide (see our "Cover Rocks" section by clicking here)--but far superior to other products on the market.
How durable are they over the years?
Due to modern high-performance polymers and other scientifically-developed, construction-grade admixtures, our artificial boulders, rocks and trees are designed to last for many years and typically wear in the same manner as, or superior to, natural stone.
Can I cover a pump or utility box with one?
Yes you can, however it's important to remember that the dimensions shown for the artificial and fake rocks and trees are exterior measurements. Since they are handcrafted, and the thickness and shape of each boulder and tree varies, exact dimensions of the interior hollow space can't be guaranteed for covering pumps, utility/TV cable boxes, etc. If you want to hide or conceal one of these unsightly items, we encourage you to visit our "Cover Rocks" section to see our models designed specifically for that purpose by clicking here.
Do the boulders and trees require special care?
The only special care required is in climates with freeze-thaw conditions. Our cast stone formula includes moisture-proof admixtures and an industrial sealer has been applied to all surfaces. However, we strongly recommend purchasing from your local hardware or home improvement store a penetrating concrete sealer and applying it to each rock or tree (after gently washing it with mild, soapy water to remove dust) every 5-6 years for best protection against moisture intrusion and freeze-thaw cycles.
No chemicals or cleaning solvents should ever be used to clean the products. Care should be taken when unpacking, moving and installing the fake rocks and trees, but if one should be accidentally scratched or chipped, the mark will likely disappear from view as natural weathering takes place over several months, similar to natural stone. However, easy-to-use scratch "kits" are available upon request.
How many different models are in the collection?
We offer 20 reproductions of 800-1,000 lb. boulders that weigh 50-60 lbs, a size that most agree is neither too small nor too big for residential or commercial landscapes. There are three styles of tree stumps and four Estate Boulders, 300-400 lb. exact replicas of 2 1/2-ton rocks that are especially well-suited to anchor a landscape design or for showcasing a dedication, memorial or donor recognition plaque at a park, plaza, flagpole, school or university, corporate campus or other outdoor location (see the Estate Boulders by clicking here which will cause a separate pop-up window and website to appear).
Do you have larger sizes of fake rocks?
Our selection of artificial and fake rocks and trees were chosen so they can be conveniently shipped via FedEx Ground. Any artificial rock that is larger than those in our collection would exceed FedEx's size and weight limits and would therefore have to be shipped on a pallet via common freight carrier, a much more costly mode of transportation (especially if it is being delivered to a residential address). Larger boulders could cover a wider variety of pumps, utility boxes and other items, but the increase in height would add more weight to the overall rock and make it more difficult to move when needing to access the area underneath.
What choice of natural colors are available?
There are three color choices for the fake rocks: Slate Gray (popular in the Midwest and East Coast areas of the United States), Sandstone and Red Rock. Since detailed molds for the boulders are precisely and tediously taken from actual rocks found in nature, customers expect that the color process used for them match the realism of the reproductions. Their demand for quality is met by craftsmen who enhance the castings with permanent natural shades using a proprietary coloring process which requires no special maintenance in the future.
How are the fake rocks and trees shipped?
The standard-sized manufactured boulders are shipped to a customer's residence or business address via FedEx Ground in 350-lb. test, double-walled corrugated boxes using an industrial foam-in-place packaging system for maximum protection. Our Estate Boulders are crated on pallets and shipped by common carrier.
What's the best method to unpack them?
First, it is the customer's responsibility to check for damage in the unlikely event something happened to the rock(s) or tree(s) during shipping. On the rare occasions there is damage, contact us so we can submit a claim with FedEx and arrange to send you a replacement once we receive the original back (FedEx will want to pick up the model to be returned to us in its original packaging including the box and foam).
Once the package is opened, the industrial foam-in-place packaging system material can be removed by pulling it up, breaking it off or carefully cutting it away from the fake rock or tree piece-by-piece and disposing of it. (Note: Traditional bubble-wrap or "peanut shell" material isn't suitable for shipping products as heavy as our fake rocks and trees).
Cutting and tearing off parts of the corrugated box often make it easier to access the hardened foam for removal. Please remember, the manufacturer is not responsible for any damage to the products when customers unpack, move or install them.
What's the typical turnaround time for an order?
The amount of time it takes to process an order depends on the quantity desired and number of orders already in-house and scheduled for production at the factory. It is normally 7-10 business days (including shipping time) if ordering 1-10 items or 15-20 business days for a larger assortment.
Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee?
A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is offered for the lifetime of each product if the craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of naturally-occurring adjustments in color). Vandalism or theft is expressly not covered in this guarantee. Customers with a valid craftsmanship claim will receive an immediate replacement with an identical model once the product is returned and/or the claim confirmed by us.
Can bronze plaques be mounted on the boulders?
We specialize in creating boulders for the award & trophy, professional fundraising (donor recognition), and "death care" or cemetery and funeral home industries with hand-chiseled recesses for dedication, memorial and donor recognition plaques. All of the standard-sized boulder models can fit a 7 1/2" (W) x 5" (H) plaque or directional sign while models LB1 through LB6 and LB9-LB10 can accept one up to 11" (W) x 8 1/2" (H).
We also offer four 300-400 lb. Estate Boulders--replicas of 2 1/2-ton rocks--for larger plaques or signs up to 24" (W) x 22" (H) which are ideal for project entrances, dedications, memorials or recognition of major supporters, donors or sponsors.
Turnaround time for a boulder ordered with a bronze plaque is 3-4 weeks for casting the bronze and 5-7 business days for installing the plaque in the specific boulder and shipping to its final destination.
Please contact us for pricing and ordering details for a rock or boulder with a bronze plaque.