Tim White
Duluth entrepreneur, Tim White, is on a mission to revolutionize how people buy and grow trees. With his newest venture, DIY Trees, Tim has launched an innovative online nursery specializing in fast-growing hybrid Poplar trees. The InnovaTree™ and TurboTree™ grow up to 10 feet per year and absorb carbon dioxide four times faster than most other species!
“At DIY Trees, our mission is to empower individuals to become architects of a greener future with our innovative tree kits. You no longer have to wait 10-20 years to enjoy the benefits of shade and privacy that trees provide. Because InnovaTree™ was bred by the Natural Resources Research Institute to grow incredibly well in the Midwest, you can grow your own shade tree in just a few years,” Tim shared. He added, “The best part is that it’s super easy—anyone can do it! We want to show that everyone can start making a difference right now.”
“Our fast-growing trees help people and businesses see real benefits quickly.”
—Tim White, Owner
One of the biggest advantages of DIY Trees is affordability. “Because these trees grow so quickly, there’s no need to start with an expensive, mature tree from a brick-and-mortar nursery. DIY Trees kits are just $30 and include everything the homeowner needs for the first year of growth. With a one-year guarantee, it’s an excellent option for anyone looking to quickly add a new tree to their property.”
DIY Trees sold out of its first 1,000 trees in 2024 and is on track to sell up to 5,000 trees in 2025.
Tim has been a longtime Northland SBDC client, working with the SBDC on multiple entrepreneurial ventures. For DIY Trees, Northland SBDC provided support with website search engine optimization (SEO), Google Analytics, and marketing strategy, helping Tim expand his digital reach and drive online sales.
“Tim has a unique ability to turn big ideas into successful businesses. It has been rewarding to support such an innovative small business with marketing strategies and website optimization as Tim continues to grow this venture,” said Vicki Hagberg, Northland SBDC Regional Director.
With a strong foundation in place and Northland SBDC’s ongoing guidance, Tim is focused on scaling DIY Trees, increasing production, and helping more people plant fast-growing trees. Visit DIY Trees website to learn more about InnovaTree™ and TurboTree™.