Problems with your new tree or shrub.

VERY LITTLE OR NO OBVIOUS SPRING GROWTH

The most common complaint we receive is that a new plant appears to be dead after its first winter. Please remember that it will take time for a plant to establish itself in your garden - the "shock" of transplanting from container to soil can cause delayed leaf or flower production (some plants will not flower at all for a few years) - so PLEASE BE PATIENT DURING THE FIRST SPRING!

You can check to see if your plant is alive by carefully scratching the bark off a woody branch - if the wood inside is green, the plant is alive.  If the wood is brown inside - it is not!

WINTER DAMAGE

Frost or wind damage will cause brown blotches on the leaves of evergreen plants (such as brown "scorching" on conifers), late frosts will damage lush new growth and cause flower buds to turn brown and drop off. There is no cure for this type of damage except waiting for replacement leaf growth during the spring and summer.

DROUGHT

Lack of water will kill plants. Unlike indoor plants, it is virtually impossible to over-water outdoor plants. Make sure all plants (especially newly planted ones whose roots are still shallow) are thoroughly watered during dry, hot or windy weather.

Pest and disease advice

Like all living things, plants can become infected with insects and various diseases. Almost all of these can easily be treated with the correct knowledge - which our staff will be pleased to share with you. In general, the sooner you spot a problem, the easier and cheaper it will be to treat! Please bring a decent sized plant sample if you would like to take advantage of this service.

INSECTS

Such as greenfly are abundant during the summer months. If your plants become infected with any harmful insects, they should be sprayed with an appropriate insecticide (some of which carry the "environmentally friendly" label).

DISEASES

May show themselves in the form of marks on the leaves. Once again, these can usually be cured or controlled with an appropriate fungicide (some of which carry the "environmentally friendly" label).

Outdoor Plant Guarantee

If all else fails, remember that we offer a 12 month guarantee on all container grown hardy outdoor plants.  Click HERE for details.