Return policy refers only to trees and shrubs. Annuals and perennials are not guaranteed and cannot be returned.

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Riverside Nursery and Greenhouse works hard to provide the highest quality and widest variety of nursery stock, which is hardy for our climate and our soil type. If properly planted and cared for these plants will give you years of enjoyment and enhance your property values.  We offer a guarantee on our trees and shrubs when the following planting and care instructions are followed (or until we close in the Fall of the year you bought it). If during the first growing season your plant still fails, we will give you a new plant of equal or lesser value or a Riverside Nursery gift card. We do not offer cash refunds. If you feel there is something wrong with your plant you must notify us prior to our closing in the fall. We do not guarantee plants after the first growing season or over the winter, it is your responsibility to care for the plant over the winter (watering, proper plant placement, etc.).

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           All we ask is that you:​

• Contact us when your plant is starting to fail so we can troubleshoot first before the plant is a complete loss.

• Save your receipt for proof of purchase

• Use the proper planting techniques listed below

• Talk to one of our employees if your plant shows signs of poor health

• If your plant dies, bring in your receipt and the plant for a replacement or an in-store credit. Please check before bringing large plants back.

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If a Riverside Manager has reviewed your (physical) plant or photos and has come to the conclusion that the plant was not watered properly or was not planted according to the directions provided on the tag or on this document, they reserve the right to deny a return. No exceptions.

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PROPER PLANTING TECHNIQUES

PROPER PLANT SELECTION, PROPER SOIL AND WATERING TECHNIQUES WILL HELP YOUR PLANT THRIVE IN YOUR LANDSCAPE.  PLEASE CONSULT WITH OUR STAFF IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.

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• PROPER PLANT SELECTION 

  • Before selecting a plant please consider soil type, sun exposure, wind exposure and available moisture. Different plants grow well in different areas, it is important to give plants the environment they thrive in.

• WATER THE PLANT BEFORE PLANTING

  • A dry root ball will not be able to absorb moisture from the native soil and may also contain air pockets causing the plant to die.

• DIG A LARGE HOLE (3 TIMES WIDER & DEEPER THAN POT)

  • The loose backfill will allow the root system to absorb oxygen and the soil to take in moisture and nutrients.

• AMEND SOIL

  • Add Soil Pep, Soil Prep, or Compost – Use 1-part Soil Pep (Amendment) to 4 parts of your native soil

• USE ROOT STIMULATOR BEFORE BACKFILLING

  • Be sure to break up the roots to encourage root growth outside the root ball.

  • Set top of root ball at the final grade of the landscape.  Straighten out any pot bound roots and water the root ball with Root Stimulator & water mixture.

  • The mixed soil should be pressed around the root ball but not tamped, to eliminate any air pockets.

• FORM WATER-WELL AROUND PLANT

  • This will hold extra water until the plant is established.

• MULCH

  • Use 2 to 4 inches of bark mulch taking care not to allow it to touch the trunk or stems. This will prevent damage to this area by pests and disease.

  • Packaged animal compost from a reputable establishment to mulch or enrich the soil is great. Do not use straight manure, it will burn your plant and surrounding area.

• WATER THOROUGHLY – DON’T RELY ON A SPRINKLER UNTIL ESTABLISHED

  • Water every day the first week and every other day after that – more if extremely hot or windy.

  • Once the roots have extended beyond the planting hole the plant will not require so much attention.

  • Plants should be watered by hand for the first growing season until roots are established.

• STAKING TREES MAY BE NECESSARY IN WINDY LOCATION

  • Trunks of new trees should also be wrapped for the first winter with Trunk or Tree Wrap

• DON’T FERTILIZE DURING FIRST YEAR

  • High nitrogen fertilizers should not be used on new plantings as it will cause vegetative top growth at the expense of root growth. A root stimulator should only be used when the plant is first put in the ground.

 

WATERING MUST BE DONE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS!!!

WHY?  Many plants are lost during our dry winters due to dehydration.  All (especially newly planted) plants in your landscape should be watered in the winter.  Evergreens are especially susceptible to moisture loss.  Any time the ground will take water, keep it moist.  Also, deep infrequent watering promotes a deep root system while shallow, frequent watering causes shallow roots that cannot retrieve sufficient water for the plant. To prevent tree & shrub dehydration during the winter months, water with at least 5-10 gallons of water every month.