Road to Roots
We take great care to package your products for shipment so they arrive in perfect condition. We ask that you inspect your shipment immediately upon arrival. Report issues to us within one week (7 days) of receiving your order if it arrived damaged, dead, is missing items, or contains unsatisfactory products.
Please note that plants and trees shipped as bareroot are in a dormant state, and arrive without leaves or dirt. They will be shipped in a wet medium and wrapped carefully to maintain moisture during the journey. If you are unable to plant right away, keep in a cold/cool, dark location, consult our planting guides, or reach out to our RTF Tree Care Crew for help.
Your trees or plants MAY also arrive with leafing beginning (Late April and later, depending on your zone) or with leaves browning (Late Fall) as the dormant season in the Midwest begins. This is normal and should not impact the health of your tree or plant.
Happy Harvest
Because thriving plants are a partnership between our quality and your environment, we offer this limited growing guarantee to help you plant with confidence. Reach out to us if your plant or tree shows no signs of growth or leaf development within 30 days of receipt.
Trees and plants installed through our Orchard Services are also fully covered by this guarantee.
Note on Labor: While the replacement plant or tree is covered under our guarantee, a supplemental labor fee may apply for the removal and re-installation of the new specimen, as well as taxes and travel fees. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Conditions & Exclusions
- Improper Hardiness Zone: Trees and plants installed outside their recommended USDA Hardiness Zones, or placed in incompatible sunlight, soil pH, or drainage conditions, are not covered.
- In-Ground Planting Only: Plants must be planted directly in the ground within 48–72 hours of receipt to qualify. Container-grown or greenhouse-placed plants are excluded. If weather prevents immediate planting, contact us for temporary care instructions.
- Beyond Our Control: We cannot cover loss caused by environmental extremes (spring frosts, hail, drought, overwatering, extreme winter kill), post-planting pest infestations, or regional pathogens (e.g., fire blight, cedar apple rust, powdery mildew).
- Chemical & Fertilizer Damage: Damage caused by root burn from over-fertilization, weed killer drift, or systemic herbicides is excluded.
- Animal Damage: Deer and rabbits love fresh bark and buds. We strongly recommend installing trunk guards or fencing, as animal damage is not covered.
- Diagnostic Scope: Coverage applies only to plants that fail to leaf out and do not pass the "scratch test." Growth rates vary by variety, and a scratch test helps determine if a slow-awakening plant is still healthy.
- Sales & Specials: Items purchased through promotional sales or clearance offers are excluded from the Happy Harvest Guarantee.
Next Steps
Complete the Plant Warranty Form below and submit.
Once we receive your completed form and photos, our team will review.
If concerns are verified, we offer a Store Merchandise Credit: We will issue a credit to your account (valid for one year).
- Store Account Required: If you have not already, you will need to create a store account in order to receive and use the credit.
- Credit Does NOT Include Shipping Cost.
- One-Time Credit: Credited trees and plants are not eligible for future claims.
- No Replacement Shipments: We do not ship replacement trees or plants.
- Photos Required: We cannot process your claim without the required photos.
Questions?
We are here to help you grow with confidence. Contact us anytime for planting or care advice!
Happy Planting! ~ Noel & Harrison
info@rootstofruitsnursery.com