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Plant reimbursement

Dear members,Back in March of this year I did a garden project that included the purchasing and planting of a variety of plants and shrubbery. It was a rewarding job that gave me a great sense of satisfaction. All my plants were purchased from a reputable supplier, the quality of which I have never had reason to question. It was a "one off" project and I had no further contact with the client.Five months on and the garden is developing beautifully. However, one of the Passion flowers have died so the client contacted me asking for the plant to be replaced. Having viwed the plant it is clear that it certainly did grow after planting back in March, but has since died. It (was) growing up a support and the client insists that it had been looked after. They do have a male dog. Could it have used the support it as a toilet spot I wonder? I have no reason to disbelieve the client who claims they did look after it, feed it and water it, but is this really my fault?Although I do not feel responsible for the demise of the plant, I decided that it was better to reimburse the price of the plant for the client as a good will gesture. I work in a small community and my reputation is important.So here's the question: what is your policy on plant replacement?What would you have done? Does anyone have a statement that they give to clients prior to a planting project that protects them from any unreasonable requests for the replacing of plants? I have never come across this in all my time gardening and my fear is that ultimately, there is nothing stopping any past client asking me to replace a species long after I have left the job. I feel this is something I need to address and would value your thoughts.Many thanks.Paul

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  • PRO

    Hi Paul

    I don't think you can be held responsible but as it's just one plant then it might be an idea to replace it for the sake of goodwill.

    Most plant suppliers offer a no-quibble replacement so it might be wise to get clarification from the places you source your plants. 

    Also, get some terms and conditions in place so that you don't find yourself in this position again.

    Here's an old topic that might be of some interest:

    Do you offer a guarantee on the plants you supply?

    http://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/do-you-offer-a-guaran...

  • I've never been in a position to have to guarantee the plants I deliver and plant up as I've never had a problem with them before. So this teaches me I need to get something in writing with regard to this. Thanks for pointing this out.

    Does anyone have a policy to share? Any decent documentation on plant provision would be very helpful and save having to " re - invent the wheel". I'd be grateful for any help.

    Thanks Phil.
  • Given your explanation I would replace it as a goodwill gesture with a cover note asking them to make sure the dog doesn’t piss on it.
    I recently planted a magnolia for a client and their dog started the peeing in mins,. Its now dead from nitrogen burn and thankfuly the client understands.

    Normally I say plants are clients responsibility unless I maintain the garden weekly. If its fortnightly, they are given instructions and each case is taken case by case.

    For one - off jobs I don’t return to, clients problem straight put, but again for goodwill for 1 or 2 plants I may consider it. Iv've had someone try it on 7 months later and they werent happy, but they wanted a £900 bed replanting that they went on holiday without arranging watering for. 4 weeks without care on a 4 month old bed in sandy soil - well that I stood firm on.

    • Seems like we had the same type of customer Dave! <br />
      Thanks for that. Very helpful.<br />
      <br />
      I think I shall look for a few sentences that are direct enough, stating that responsible care should be given to all plants and that reasonable exceptions may be made if the odd plant dies. My fear is that I too may have someone come back to me 7 moths later after planting up a bigger job.<br />
      <br />
      Many thanks<br />
      <br />
      Paul
  • if it helps - For anything more than £50 I normally type a quick "care guide" on letter headed paper - simple stuff saying in bullet points;

    water everr 2-3 days, x mins evenly accros all planting.

    Feed at 3 months or x many etc.

    Ensure slug pellets are applied as per manuf instruction (if needed)

    ensure border kept weed free (amazing how many people spend £1k and dont weed the planting and wonder why its not quite as amazing as it should be!)

    and then their is no comeback is plants shrivel up and die.

    • Actually Dave, this is very helpful indeed. A simple idea that can work. Ill certainly copy this idea a d start using it immediately.

      Many thanks

      Paul
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