Homepage / Case Studies / Telecommunications

Creation of Leafy Tree as a Cell Site with Vito Milano

What prompted creation of the leafy-tree, concealed cellular site concept?

When we first began manufacturing concealed sites for the Telecommunications Industry, a palm or pine tree seemed to fit almost every application requirement. As the industry matured, the call for a greater variety of tree types evolved.

Concealment, however, is still the driving requirement. We now are blending into the surrounding environment and existing landscape more aesthetically.

Walk us through the process of building this concealed cellular site?

It is much like our other products. The basic process we use to build leafy trees is molding "bark" to be clad to the steel pole, design and fabrication of primary and secondary branches, and manufacturing foliage.

What special challenges did you face in producing the leafy tree concealed cellular site?

The real challenge of the leafy tree product was in creating the foliage. With our regular products of palms and pines, foliage was pretty well-defined by the tree types -- the basic format of palm leaves and pine needles. For the leafy tree, we used sizes and shapes that would fit trees from variety to variety. There were countless possibilities and literally thousands of tree types with varying leaves that could have been used.

What is the size of a leafy tree cellular site?

The best concealment trees are 30 to 45 feet tall.

Where was the first leafy tree site installed?

Our first installation was in San Diego County.

How many are installed today?

Today, we have approximately seven leafy tree sites installed, with a similar number in production for early 2004. More are expected as PTI's successful installations are exposed to the industry. We are always testing new products at our manufacturing facility and welcome tours for anyone interested in the on-site production of our concealment trees.

What is the greatest benefit to your customers in using a leafy tree concealed cellular site?

The greatest benefit to our customers is the ability to offer a wider variety of concealment trees, not only for our clients, but ultimately for the communities where they will be installed. We provide superior customer service and are sensitive to the environment where the tree will be placed. Every aspect from concept to design and implementation is closely supervised, monitored and checked for perfection. PTI prides itself as a leader in this growing industry.