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First the nursery inspects every specimen for vigor, then plants are “hardened‑off” so they tolerate travel stress. Next, each pot is bagged to hold soil, cardboard collars brace the stems, and vented cartons regulate temperature. Finally, orders are routed to depart early in the week so boxes never sit in a weekend warehouse. Because of these safeguards Nature Hills can guarantee that plants arrive alive and true‑to‑type, and will replace or credit any that don’t establish.

Dormant‑season ordering gives roots a head start. From late September through mid‑November (or early spring where winters are severe) soil is still warm but air is cool, so transplants can focus on root growth instead of foliage. Studies show fall‑planted trees and shrubs develop a larger root system before summer heat, reducing first‑year stress and irrigation needs. Therefore place orders for woody plants in fall if you garden in Zones 3‑8; in hotter Zones 8‑9, early spring is equally safe. (Rain Bird, Garden Betty)

Start by typing your ZIP Code into the Zone Finder on any product page. The tool returns your precise USDA zone and filters the catalog to varieties rated hardy there. Next, verify that a plant’s listed zone range includes your number; if you are near the cold edge, consider selecting one zone hardier for insurance, or mulch heavily the first winter. This simple check prevents losses from planting species that cannot handle your local extremes.

Container codes describe trade‑gallon volume and plant age, not shipping weight. A “Quart” holds a juvenile liner, a #1 (approx. 2¾ dry qt.) supports a one‑ to two‑year‑old shrub, while a #3 (≈2½ gal.) carries a well‑branched, three‑year plant. Knowing this lets you predict transplant shock and landscape impact: smaller pots root fast but need patience; larger pots give “instant” results but cost more to ship. Acclimate any size by watering thoroughly, then setting in bright shade for a day before planting.

Plant Sentry™ is a compliance firewall that checks each order against state and federal quarantines for pests, diseases, or invasive species. When your cart is finalized the system blocks any variety that cannot legally ship to your ZIP Code, protecting ecosystems and preventing confiscation at inspection stations. For shoppers the benefit is confidence that every shipment is both healthy and fully permitted.