From my years with Classic Nursery & Landscape Company (now Classic Landscaping) — originally published May 15, 2009.
Like many landscape companies, the calls have come in to us this year from folks with concerns about their plantings, damaged from the unanticipated freezes of 08-09. The late season freezes in particular posed a problem for us, as technically, these plants weren't damaged by any negligence on our part (or our client's), but from an unanticipated weather event. Young plants, even normally hardy ones, can certainly be damaged by extreme weather. Check out the Seatac weather drop in late December 08. Youch!
Most landscape companies won't guarantee a plant in situations like this and normally we are no exception. But in this case (or I would like to think, as usual), we are trying to step up and do the right thing. Most of the folks are receiving a certificate for replacement plants at the nursery at no small expense. We are helping some 'out of warranty' past clients to purchase plants wholesale. I think this expectation was part of the reason that people hired us in the first place. The weather may be cold, but there's no reason for us to give anyone the cold shoulder….
