What is the proper way to write a scientific name?
While personal preference will take precedence, the following website has some good guidelines:
Correctly Writing Plant Names
How many characters can I put on a line?
Number of characters is limited by the size of the plate and the size of the font. When many characters are on a single line, we scale down the font so that the characters can fit on the line.
What is the difference between the two types of stakes?
Most people prefer the cleaner look of the signs attached on the rear of
the plate with epoxy (original Type A stakes), but some prefer
the added protection of the plate with the Type B (V-Style) stake, where
the plate is surrounded on three sides by a metal frame attached to its
stake with rivets (customer may add a drop of glue or epoxy to the back
of the plate before inserting in frame so it cannot be removed, or one or two of the flanges in the upper corners may be crimped to hold the plate in place).
Original Type A Stakes:
Type
B V-style Stake:
Can you engrave images, such as logos?
Yes, we can engrave images and logos and have done so for various organizations (such as Hilton, Rotary, etc.) If you would like us to add a logo, please send us an image of what you would like us to engrave in .eps format, if possible. Otherwise, we can only do simple/default images (see bottom right) and text layouts. However the logo is prepared, we will send you a layout before we begin work on the order.
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| Made using .eps | Made by hand | Made using default image |
Can I use a different font for the text on my signs?
Yes, we have a variety of different fonts to select from, including most TrueType fonts. If you have a specific font in mind, let us know what it is and we will do our best to use it for your signs. Please keep in mind that most fonts, other than our Standard Block font, take up more space and it may be that not as many words will fit on a certain size sign. Also, many fonts take much longer to engrave than the Standard Block font and thus we charge an extra $1.00 per sign, up to 10 words. Ask about prices for signs with more than 10 words.
Some sample fonts
How long do the signs last?
Physical damage (from animals, falling branches, human kicks, garden hoses, vandalism, etc.) cannot be predicted. The signs hold up well in temperature extremes and are made of UV resistant materials. Signs that are left untouched may last indefinitely. We started our business in 1996 and many of the signs from that time that were left undisturbed are still in use today. If you are concerned about damage to your signs or want the added security of knowing they won’t break or come loose from the stake, we now offer what we call a V-Style stake that has a metal plate riveted to the top of the stake, with a steel plate with flanges on the sides and bottom that hold the sign plate securely.
How should I insert stakes into the ground?
For putting stakes in the ground, moisten the earth first or wait until after a rainfall to make the stakes go in easier. If the ground is rocky, a hole will have to be dug and then backfilled to loosen up the dirt. Do not pound the stakes with a hammer or a rock or by pushing on the sign plate. Force should only be applied to the stake itself.
If theft is a concern, you can dig a hole and use concrete for a more secure sign stake..
Are there any alternate method for mounting the sign plates?
Sign plate may be attached to any vertical surface such as a wall, fence, or tree trunk. Another option is to attach the plate to a 4x4 post with a 45 degree angle cut at the top by using screws. (Nails are not recommended as the hammer may cause damage to the plate.) In lieu of a stake, holes may be drilled in the sign plate, for hanging from branches, etc. using wire or zip ties.
Are the signs guaranteed by a warranty?
Yes: 1 year
Do you supply references?
Yes, just ask us for a list of customers near you and we would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Why do some of the signs appear to be mounted crooked when viewed from the back?
Every sign stake is made by hand so some variation may occur. However, when the signs are viewed from the front, any apparant misalignment is not visible.
What size signs do you recommend?
For private gardens, a
2”x4” sign is fine if the sign is not more than 3’ from where the person
looking at the sign will be standing.
If the sign is farther back, a larger sign may be needed.
For commercial applications, typically the smallest recommended
size is 3”x5”.
How can I re-attach a sign that has fallen off a Type A Stake?
Occasionally a sign plate
may fall off the stake. It
can be re-epoxied on if the back of the plate is roughed sufficiently
and the stake where it will be re-applied is prepared by roughing with a
grinder or file before the new epoxy is applied.
What type of Epoxy do you use?
Devcon Plastic Welder is
the best epoxy for outdoor use we have found.
Do you make signs for other than plant identification?
Yes, we have made signs for bird (& other animal) cages, motel/office room number signs, solar panel warning/caution signs, and many other applications.
