I purchased three Royal Empress trees about 3 years ago. My husband laughed at me when he saw the "sticks" that were shipped to me. I got the last laugh though. My trees are between 25 - 30 feet now and provide wonderful shade! I haven't had to do a thing for my trees since planting them. I just watch them grow! A suggestion...when planting, provide a large mulch ring around the tree, so that you will not damage low lying branches when mowing.