Tree T-Pee, a water-saving tree guard, caught America’s attention on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. This innovative product protects young trees and saves water. It has changed farming practices across the United States.
Johnny Georges invented the Tree T-Pee. It’s a cone-shaped device made from recycled plastic. It fits around young trees, saving water and protecting them from harsh weather.
The Tree T-Pee’s journey from a small family invention to a Shark Tank success story is inspiring. It’s more than a product; it’s a game-changer for agriculture and water conservation nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Tree T-Pee reduces water usage from 25,000 to 800 gallons per tree annually
- The product was featured on Shark Tank, securing a deal with John Paul DeJoria
- It’s made from 100% recycled plastic, promoting sustainability
- Tree T-Pee offers frost protection and reduces fertilizer and herbicide use
- The company has grown to $5 million in annual revenue and is available worldwide
The Origins of Tree T-Pee
The Tree T-Pee story starts with a father-son duo who changed the citrus industry. They used their farming and irrigation knowledge to create something new. This device went from protecting trees from frost to saving water.
Rick Georges: Citrus Industry Pioneer
Rick Georges was a leader in citrus farming. He started the Tree T-Pee idea with his knowledge of irrigation and wells. His goal was to protect young citrus trees from frost in Florida’s changing weather.
Johnny Georges: Innovator and Legacy Bearer
Johnny Georges grew up in Winter Haven, Florida, surrounded by citrus farming. For over 20 years, he worked with his father, learning about irrigation and pumps. Johnny saw the Tree T-Pee’s potential to save water, not just protect from frost.
Evolution: From Frost Shield to Water Saver
The Tree T-Pee’s journey shows real innovation in the citrus industry. Johnny Georges, the inventor, made it better for farming. His changes led to a huge water savings – 3,000% less than before.
This means farmers now use only a small fraction of the water they used to. It’s a big step towards making farming more sustainable.
“We’re not just selling a product; we’re changing the way we farm,” Johnny Georges said. He pointed out the Tree T-Pee’s big impact.
How Tree T-Pee Works
The Tree T-Pee is a game-changer in water saving. It’s a cone-shaped guard for young trees, aged 1-5 years. It boosts water efficiency and shields the trees as they grow.
The Tree T-Pee’s design is key to its success. It wraps around the tree’s base, creating a space that holds water and nutrients. This method cuts down water use from 32.5 liters to just 2.5 liters a day, especially with a microsprinkler system.
Here are some numbers that show how well the Tree T-Pee works:
| Resource | Reduction in Usage |
|---|---|
| Water | 93% |
| Fertilizer | 93% |
| Electricity | 93% |
| Fuel | 93% |
The Tree T-Pee doesn’t just save water; it also cuts down on fertilizer and herbicide use. It keeps these resources in its cone, ensuring they go straight to the roots. This leads to a 90% drop in resource use for farmers and growers.
The Benefits of Tree T-Pee
Tree T-Pee is a game-changer for farmers and growers. It solves big problems in agriculture, making farming more efficient and green.
Water Conservation
Tree T-Pee is a water-saving superstar. It uses 90% less water than old methods. For young trees, it’s like getting three inches of rain for every five gallons of water.
This means trees use only 800 gallons of water a year, down from 25,000 gallons.
Frost Protection
Tree T-Pee keeps young trees safe from frost. It works with a micro-sprinkler system to warm the tree base by over 10 degrees. This is key for delicate crops like citrus and avocados.
Fertilizer and Herbicide Savings
Tree T-Pee also helps with fertilizer. Growers can cut fertilizer use by 75% and still feed the tree roots well. Plus, it stops grass from growing inside the T-Pee because it doesn’t get sunlight.
| Benefit | Tree T-Pee | Traditional Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Water Usage | 800 gallons/year | 25,000 gallons/year |
| Fertilizer Use | 25% of normal | 100% |
| Frost Protection | 10+ degrees increase | No increase |
| Lifespan | 20+ years | Varies |
Tree T-Pee lasts for 20 years, giving farmers long-term benefits. It works on many tree types, making it a great tool for different farming needs.
Tree T-Pee Shark Tank Appearance
The Tree T-Pee Shark Tank episode with Johnny Georges was unforgettable. Georges asked for $150,000 for 20% of his water-saving invention.
Johnny Georges’ Pitch
Georges showed how the Tree T-Pee saves water. He said it can save almost 20,000 gallons per tree each year. This is much more than traditional irrigation systems, which only use 10% of water for tree roots.
Sharks’ Reactions
The Sharks were moved by Georges’ passion and honesty. Even Kevin O’Leary was touched. Georges’ goal to help farmers and protect nature struck a chord with the panel.
Deal with John Paul DeJoria
John Paul DeJoria saw the Tree T-Pee’s potential. He offered $150,000 for 20% equity, exactly what Georges wanted. Georges accepted, changing his business for the better. After the episode, 56,000 letters and emails came in, showing the episode’s lasting impact.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment Sought | $150,000 for 20% equity |
| Deal Secured | $150,000 for 20% equity |
| Water Saved Per Tree Annually | Nearly 20,000 gallons |
| Post-Show Responses | 56,000 letters and emails |
Tree T-Pee’s Business Model
Tree T-Pee’s business model has changed a lot since it started. Johnny Georges wanted to keep prices low for farmers. The product cost $2.95 to make and sold for $4.50 each.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Georges sold 127,500 units. This made his product very popular.
On Shark Tank, Georges asked for $150,000 for 20% of his company. The Sharks were impressed by Tree T-Pee’s benefits. The University of Florida found it saved trees 93% on water, fertilizer, electricity, and fuel.
After Shark Tank, Tree T-Pee’s sales skyrocketed. The company got over 56,000 emails with orders on the night of the episode. This led to higher prices, with the basic Tree T-Pee now at $9.95 online.
The business grew beyond its initial area. Tree T-Pee is now in select Florida Home Depot stores for $9.97. This wider reach helped the company grow, with an estimated net worth of about $100 million by 2021.
Tree T-Pee’s main selling point is saving water. It claims to save about 90% of water compared to old methods. Its eco-friendly design and unique features make it a key player in the market.
Impact on Agriculture and Environment
Tree T-Pee is changing farming, bringing a new era of sustainable agriculture. It’s making a big splash in farming, showing a huge water-saving impact.
Changing Traditional Farming Practices
Tree T-Pee is changing how farmers water and manage resources. It cuts watering time from eight hours to just 15 minutes. This saves farmers a lot of time and money.
Bill Riddling, a citrus farmer, saw his fertilizer costs drop by 90% after using Tree T-Pees. This shows how effective it can be.
Riddling Groves uses 650 to 750 Tree T-Pees. This shows many farmers are adopting it. It’s a big step towards better farming practices.
Potential for Global Water Conservation
Tree T-Pee’s water-saving impact is huge. It cuts water use by up to 90%, focusing on the tree base and reducing waste. This is key in dry areas and helps save water worldwide.
Johnny Georges, the inventor, says products like Tree T-Pee are crucial for our planet. They help with people, planet, and profit, setting a new standard in farming.
| Resource | Reduction |
|---|---|
| Water Usage | Up to 90% |
| Chemical Use | Up to 80% |
| Fertilizer Costs | 90% |
Tree T-Pee is growing, reaching places like California, Texas, and Arizona. Its impact on farming and water saving is huge. This simple innovation is leading to a greener, more efficient farming future.
Product Specifications and Pricing
The Tree T-Pee is a groundbreaking product for farmers. It protects trees from one to five years old. Made from 100% recycled plastics, it’s both durable and eco-friendly.
Farmers can choose from many colors and even add logos. The cost depends on how many they buy. Prices range from $4.50 to $6.50 per unit, making it a budget-friendly option for all growers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Cost | $2.95 per unit |
| Selling Price Range | $4.50 – $6.50 per unit |
| Lifespan | 20 years |
| Water Savings | 9,200 gallons per tree annually |
| Time Savings | Reduces 8-hour watering to 15 minutes |
| Fertilizer Cost Reduction | Up to 90% |
The Tree T-Pee is built to last, offering great value to farmers. Its 20-year lifespan makes it a smart choice for saving water and protecting trees over time.
Tree T-Pee’s Growth and Expansion
Tree T-Pee has grown a lot since it was on Shark Tank. It started as a small family business and now it’s a big player in saving water. Let’s look at how it has spread its reach and made more products available.
Post-Shark Tank Success
After getting a deal with John Paul DeJoria on Shark Tank, Tree T-Pee became very popular. It sold over 125,000 units and got 56,000 emails. This made Tree T-Pee very well-known, leading to a lot of business growth.
By December 2021, Tree T-Pee made $5 million a year. Its value is now over $100 million in 2024. This shows how well the product works and how much people want to save water in farming.
Distribution and Availability
Tree T-Pee is now sold in more places. You can find it at some Home Depot stores and on TreeTPee.com. People really like it, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 15 reviews.
The company has also gone international. It’s now in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Tree T-Pee plans to be in 80 countries soon, helping farmers all over the world.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Revenue (2021) | $5 million |
| Estimated Net Worth (2024) | Over $100 million |
| Units Sold Post-Shark Tank | Over 125,000 |
| Current Retail Price | $9.95 |
Tree T-Pee’s success shows how innovation can solve big problems in farming. As it keeps growing, it will help save more water and make farming more sustainable. It’s really changing the game in the industry.
Future Prospects for Tree T-Pee
Tree T-Pee is looking bright for the future, aiming to expand globally. It has already shown great success, saving up to 93% on water, fertilizer, and energy. This makes it a top choice for areas facing water shortages.
International Market Potential
The world needs more water-saving farming tools, and Tree T-Pee is ready to fill that need. With climate change, farmers in dry areas are looking for better ways to water their crops. Tree T-Pee’s ability to cut water use from 32.5 liters to 2.5 liters per tree daily is a big deal.
Adaptation for Home Gardeners
Tree T-Pee is also reaching out to home gardeners. It’s now available at Home Depot in Florida for $9.97. This makes it easier for people to buy, which could really help Tree T-Pee grow.
Tree T-Pee is dedicated to saving water and farming in a green way. It lasts for 20 years and can make trees grow 30% faster. It’s more than just a product; it’s a smart choice for the future of farming.