I know the size of the mounts Oak Hill will send out there seedlings on - very small and not suitable for long term growth. Schillies typically have a withered root look to them, even when totally saturated. Christiansen explains this type root in his book. Soak your little cedar mount in water. If any roots remain attached, slide something very dull under the root (my thumbnail works for me) and separate it. The mount should be at least 4x6". Decide where to place the schillie on the mount - a good 2" from the bottom edge. Turn the plant so it will rest in a 45 degree angle from the edge. Place a small amount of sphag where the roots will rest on the mount. I find it easy to go ahead and tie this sphag in place - use fishing line. Now place the plant, extend the roots upward and then place another small layer of sphag over the roots and secure all of this with fishing line. I don't know where you grow, but you might have to water this once a day depending on how much humidity you have. Here in my g/h, if the sun is out, it gets watered every morning. If I am having some of those ugly, no sun, heater runs all day type days, it gets watered every other day. Be prepared for the leaves of the phal to fall forward and not be overly attractive. As new leaves emerge, they "right" themselves and face up. Good luck - Brooke

I know that this is late, but I made a way to lower mine into a wheelbarrow (actually it's more ON the wheelbarrow as it won't fit into it) for hurricanes. I almost lost my big staghorn to Charlie...It got nearly beaten to death and all new growth stopped for almost 2 years. I use the same chain method (no pipe through, just criss crossed stainless 2" links) but at the top, I have a tow strap that I threw over a MUCH higher branch and tied off on a lower one. It takes my husband to pull and me to get under the thing and push to take it higher into the tree, or him holding and me getting smushed under it to lower it. On the other hand, it hasn't gotten beaten up by any more high winds!

I will be planting a couple of Gieger Trees in my yard in the near future. The Gieger Tree is beautiful and the perfect size for the location I have available. I have had a number of Gumbo Limbo trees in my yard over the years and have been very happy with them. I feel the Gumbo Limbo is an ideal fast growing shade tree that is easy to shape and maintain. In fact, I am able to do must of my trimming and storm-prep with a long handled pole saw while standing on the ground. The fact that they will grow from cuttings and are native/established to South Florida makes them even better. The Gumbo Limbo may grow faster and larger than desired for some persons. I think the choice depends on the size and shape desired.

Thanks for the reply. The length of time the fronds stay wrapped really depends on the severity of the winter. This year it was probably about 10 - 12 weeks that they were wrapped and the tree as not watered as we had a bad winter. I have attached some pics to show you what the tree looks like as it always produces nice long fronds. These ones are about 4 - 5 weeks old now but you can clearly see the crown is getting smaller due to new fronds coming from the centre over the years. I dont see any way I can really protect the tree without wrapping it as it gets so cold in the North of England over winter, and I am sure the plant would die if I didnt wrap it.