When you buy your tree from Pippin Trees we guarantee it for the first season in your garden whilst it gets established. If it doesn't grow successfully, we'll either replace it the following season or offer a refund - subject to some conditions
Areas covered
Our replacement guarantee only applies to trees supplied to retail customers in the mainland of the United Kingdom. All other areas are currently excluded.
Conditions
You must tell us as soon as the problem arises, this really is essential. Most problems arise in spring, and can usually be resolved then. Do not wait until June to tell us your new tree did not sprout in the spring, as it is then too late to take remedial action!
The guarantee covers the first growing season after planting. If your tree dies in its second or third growing seasons after planting, we will offer a discount on the price of a replacement or similar tree.
The guarantee does not apply to subsequent trees, since successive failures may indicate a local problem at your planting location. Similarly, if several trees of the same type die in the same way at the same time we will review possible causes with you.
It does not cover damage by animals or insect pests, or accidental damage such as that caused by strimmers, weedkillers, or bad weather.
It does not cover damage or loss of the tree as a result of diseases in your local area such as fireblight or canker. (However it is very unusual for a young newly-planted tree to catch fatal diseases).
You must make sure that your planting area is suitable for the trees you have chosen, the soil conditions are within normal ranges of pH and salinity, and the variety is suitable for your climate and local disease pressures. Contact us in advance of ordering if you have any questions in this regard.
We do expect you to take reasonable care in planting, supporting, and looking after the tree. We have many articles about growing and caring for your new trees, and you can contact us online or by phone for specific advice. However we understand that sometimes a new tree just doesn't grow, no matter how careful you are.
We might not always have the same variety and format to offer an exact replacement, if so we will suggest a similar tree or a refund. We also reserve the right to offer a full refund rather than a replacement.
What can go wrong when you plant a new tree?
Here are the most common reasons why a new tree will fail to grow:
- Inadequate watering during the spring and summer of the first and second year after planting - this is especially an issue with spring-planted pot-grown trees. When the tree comes out of winter dormancy it immediately places a demand for water on the roots, and until the roots have fully established (which can take a couple of years) they may not be able to cope without extra watering. If a tree dies quickly in the early spring this is by far the most common cause.
- The tree is surrounded by grass and weeds. Young trees are unable to compete with other vegetation until they are fully established. Try to keep an area of clear ground with a diameter of 1m / 3ft around the base of the tree, at least for the first few years.
Some other common problems to be aware of:
- Planting trees in containers. Many trees will grow happily in containers, provided they are large enough, have the correct soil mix, and are properly watered. However they can die surprisingly quickly over the spring and summer if they are not regularly watered.
- The tree is poorly supported or leaning over, which prevents its roots establishing.
- The tree has been eaten by deer or rabbits - this seems to only happen to customers who plant the tree the day it arrives and promise themselves they will put some animal protection around it the next day … Fortunately this sort of damage is usually not fatal if spotted quickly and further attacks prevented.
- Accidents with strimmers - these are one of the main dangers facing young fruit trees! A young tree will often recover from strimmer damage, but it can provide an entry point for diseases.
- If your tree is planted in a lawn, be careful not to allow lawn fertilizers or weedkillers to drift on to the tree.
- Various fungal disease problems, which tend to be location or climate-specific. If spotted early enough these can usually be dealt with before they overwhelm the new tree.
Some of the more unusual reasons why trees have failed:
- Keeping the tree indoors over the winter because it was 'too cold outside'. Never try to keep trees in a heated house over winter.
- Keeping the tree for a year in the small temporary container we supplied it in.
- Digging up the tree in mid-summer to move it to a new location - if you need to move a tree after planting, wait until it is dormant, and get in touch with us for further advice.
So, if my tree doesn't look happy what should I do?
Contact us as soon as you notice a problem. Time really is of the essence with tree problems and the sooner you let us know the more chance there is to put things right, especially in the spring when new trees should be growing at a rapid rate. Do not wait until the end of the season to tell us about a problem that your first noticed in the spring or summer, as this may invalidate our guarantee - we would much rather have a false alarm than be told too late.
Send us photos showing the entire tree (including the soil), and also the tips of the main shoots. (It is sometimes difficult to focus a camera on a thin shoot tip, so ask a friend to hold the shoot so that the camera has an arm or hand to focus on).
Even if you just want some reassurance, or have concerns about the way the tree is growing, please get in touch.
What about the longer term?
Our service doesn't stop after we have delivered your tree, or even after the first year that your tree is in the ground. If your tree dies in its second or third growing seasons after planting, we will offer a discount on a replacement.
Many customers stay in touch, sending us photos of their trees as they grow to maturity, or asking for ongoing advice about pruning and training.
Final words
We want you to be successful in growing your new trees. We offer our guarantee because we are confident in the quality of the trees we supply, and in the advice and information we provide to help you plant and nurture them to maturity. However young trees are surprisingly robust and it is actually very rare for a tree to fail to establish.