Paul Swartz Nursery - Plant Care Tips

If you have concerns about the health or condition of plants that you have purchased from Paul Swartz Nursery, feel free to call us. Alternatively, we can inspect your plants at no charge and determine whether they can be saved, extend the guarantee period or replace them.

For Everyone Else:
Our horticulturists provide Paul Swartz Nursery's professional plant problem diagnostic service.


Here's what we look for (and questions we answer) when we visits peoples' properties:

What is the nature of the problem?
Exactly what plants, structures and areas are affected? How old are the plants? Have they been transplanted or have other plants been planted in the area recently? What is the overall health of the plants? Have the plants been given the care they require or are their care requirements unknown? If the plants are relatively recent additions, have they been given extra attention in terms of watering, protection from the elements etc.? Are the plants hardy to the area or have they been given extra protection to survive? Are the plants planted at the proper depth? What are the symptoms? (Color, smell, size, texture, wet/dry areas, growth patterns, parts of the plant affected, distribution, association with insects or animals)?

What is the history of the problem?
How long has the problem been in existence? Where do you notice the problem occurring? When do you notice the problem? How have you been treating the problem? How have you been caring for the plants in the area? (watering, fertilizing, pruning, chemical applications, weeding, mowing) What has the weather been like in the last week, month or year?

What type of soil do you have?
Clay, sandy, brown/black soil? How quickly does water drain through your soil? Is the area flat or hilly, on a slope or in a low-lying spot? Has the soil level been raised or lowered? Has the soil been compacted or disturbed by digging? Have you had your soil tested recently?

What type of light exposure do your plants receive?
Full sun, all day at any time of year? Partial sun all day? Full shade all the time? Sun only in the morning or afternoon? On/off depending on many factors?

What are your problem plants near?
Roads, driveways, buildings, pathways, patios, pools, downspouts or other peoples' yards? Do the structures block light, water and air movement or radiate heat? How far away from the features are your affected plants? Is there any kind of runoff, drift, spill or fumes associated with the area? Is there plastic or landscape fabric around the plants? Are mulch, rocks, gravel, edging or underground lines affecting the root system - how thick are the materials, are they piled again the stems of the plants? Do people, pets, vehicles or animals frequent the area?

The more you know about your plants and the more you observe them with the listed items in mind, the more likely you'll be able to diagnose the problems, fix them and avoid them in the future. Still, there are many times when it is best to seek the assistance of a professional to address the problem before it becomes a major expense or hazard.

Unlike companies that are licensed to kill troublesome insects, weeds, rodents or perform landscape maintenance, we offer advice and help solve your plant-related problems with no strings attached.

Our Plant Care Guarantee:

Our Plant Care Policy for Recent Customers: