Learn how to choose healthy plants before purchasing them.


When you are purchasing plants, trees & shrubs you should follow this guideline to ensure you are buying a healthy plant.

A healthy plant should:

* have no broken branches
* have no stem damage
* no insects
* no wilting
* soil moisture (make sure it has enough)
* not root bound

Check leaves:

* number
* size
* color
* check for rips
* and overall appearance

DECIDUOUS TREE INSPECTION

Make sure leader is intact. The leaders are extremely important to the tree, it is responsible for producing a growth hormone (GAA) that controls how fast the plant grows, where it grows.

* There are exceptions; Locust doesn't have a central leader.

Check for:

* Straight stem
* Crown (check the crown to make sure it isnt cracked)
* Make sure branches are on a 45 degree angle to ensure proper balance, it must support the weight of leaves and fruit.
* No crossing limbs
* Branches are well spread out (balanced)
* Size and color of leaf

EVERGREEN INSPECTION
Check for:

* Straight stem
* Sound Leader
* Crown (for cracks)
* Growth buds (make sure it isnt damaged)
* Needles (run hands along the branch, make sure it doesn't have excessive needle drop.)
* Broken branches
* Wilting
* Insects

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS
Check for:

* Leaves
* Roots ( not all dried out)
* Diseases
* Insects

EVERGREEN SHRUBS
Check for:

* Excessive needle drop (tap shrub on the ground)
* Growth tips (make sure they are succulent)
* Diseases
* Insects