When Is It Time To Call In the Plant Doctor?

Plants are living things, and as such, are subject to same things we are. Stress from moving to a new home, diseases, and insects can all damage new plantings. Wandsnider’s guarantee’s that we will replace, once without charge, any trees shrub, evergreen, or woody vine that dies within 12 months of the date of delivery, provided YOU give the plants normal care and pay your invoice when due. All claims for loss must be reported within the guarantee period. Winter planted trees are guaranteed one year.

We do not replace plants killed by rodents, insects, mechanical damage, neglect or natural disasters. Plants planted in planter boxes, flowers, seeds, bulbs and roses are not guaranteed.

As long as you have given your trees and shrubs the proper amount of water (they only require an inch of water a week, no matter if it is rain, irrigation, or a hose), they should establish themselves with no trouble. If you notice a large amount of yellowing leaves to the center of the tree, there is likely no cause for alarm…the tree is adapting itself to its new home. If you are still worried, please call, so that I can ask a few questions. There are a few things that ARE of concern. Girdling (cutting) with string trimmers is one of the largest causes of tree deaths. It is recommended that a ring of mulch be put around the tree, at least out to the tips of the branches.

Often, one side of the shrub appears to die. This can be caused by salt damage when car tires spray salty water from the road. If the damage is superficial, the plant will often outgrow it the next growing season. Antidessicants can help prevent both salt and the damage caused by drying winds. They are applied in the fall, and Wilt-Pruf is one commonly used product.

Before the planting crew has left, ask them about watering. They will tell when the plant was watered last, and when it is time to water again. Inspect the plants and make sure that any damage has been cleanly pruned away. If you see plastic cording around the trunk, make sure it was cut away. Seeing a little burlap is NOT a problem. Plants are covered at the same depth they came out of the nursery, and the burlap will rot away with time.

Plants may appear sparser than expected. This is a good thing! The first few years a plant is in the ground, it will be putting most of its energy into roots. By the third year, energy can then be directed to the visible portion of the plants. If you find the plant is TOO sparse, too many leaves are falling off, or you see webs and or other signs of insects, please call! It is often too late when the tree is completely brown, leaves are crispy, or the whole tree has defoliated. There are times when even this is OK…some trees defoliate in late summer, but will have set buds for the next season.