FAQ
Questions? We have answers.
Here, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions our customers have about our products, services, and gardening tips.
Administration
What is the balance on my A/R account?
Email accountsreceivable@countryarbors.com and request a copy of your statement and we'll send it over as soon as we're able.
How can I get a copy of a receipt?
You can come in and ask for a printed copy, or email ar@countryarbors.com with your name, business, and additional relevant info.
Do you take credit or debit to make payments on A/R accounts?
We can take credit or debit card payments over the phone or in person, but we prefer cash or check for any A/R account payments. Credit or debit does incur a 3% service charge.
Mulch
How much mulch do I need?
Check out our hardwoods need calculations formulas here.
What’s your delivery area?
Our delivery area is roughly 30-40 miles from Country Arbors Nursery. To check if you are included, please call.
How much can you deliver at one time?
Our current trucks can do the following loads at one time:
Bark Mulches: 10 Cubic Yards
Soils: 6 Cubic Yards
Rock Mulches: 8 Tons
How can I setup a delivery?
You can stop by during business hours, give us a call, or order online
What type of mulch do you recommend?
There really isn't one that is better than the other. If you are putting it around freshly planted material, we do recommend bark mulch as this will be better for the plant.
How thick should I make the mulch in my bed?
We recommend 3" depth for new beds and 1-2" for existing beds that just need topdressed.
Plants
Can I plant in the same location as an old tree?
Yes, but it’s best to remove as much of the old root system as possible and replace or amend the soil before replanting. Old roots can decay, harbor disease, and compete with the new tree, so giving it fresh, loosened soil will help it establish much better.
Who do I contact with concerns about my plants?
You can either call the nursery, send an e-mail with pictures to info@countryarbors.com, or fill out the form here
What do the measurements mean in the item description?
The leading number refers to a size, and the meaning of that size depends on the letter that follows.
‘C’ stands for container.
For example, 3C will mean 3 gallon container; 10C means 10 gallon container.
‘B’ means burlap.
The number before B varies depending on the product.
Evergreens—5’B would mean the tree is 5’ tall and the root system is balled and burlapped.
Deciduous trees—1.5"B means that the circumference of the trunk of the tree is 1.5” and the root system is balled and burlapped.
What’s the height of this tree?
The heights are going to vary.
Evergreens—the height is part of our descriptor (5’B is 5’).
Deciduous trees—the height is variable, depending on the type of tree, whether it’s in a container, or if it’s balled and burlapped.
Is this plant a perennial or annual?
Annuals live for one growing season, meaning they grow, bloom, and die in the same year and must be replanted annually. Perennials come back year after year, typically dying back in winter and regrowing each spring from the same root system. We have our perennials and annuals in different sections to help distinguish between the two.
What plants grow best in Illinois/my zone?
We carry a large variety of hardy plants that work in our current zone (6a). Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, and Perennials. We do also carry Annuals, Tropicals, Succulents, and Houseplants which are not hardy in our area.
Will this survive winter here?
All hardy plants should survive in our zone with proper care. Even the hardiest of plants can struggle if not taken care of properly. For the annuals, tropicals, succulents, and houseplants, you will need to bring them inside and care for them to survive winter as they are not hardy.
How big will this plant get?
If you check for that specific plant on our website, it will have mature sizes listed. These sizes can still vary as a plant is dependent on care, location, soil, light,
and other factors.
Is this native or good for pollinators?
We currently carry a good size selection of natives, but are working to carry more as we grow. We will be working in the future to have the native plants marked more
clearly at the nursery as well as online. Almost all plants that flower are good for pollinators at some point. Specific pollinators do like specific plants however.
What plants are low-maintenance for beginners?
There are quite a lot that can be quite easy, but here are a few:
Dayliles
Echinacea(Coneflower)
Rudbeckia(Black-Eyed Susan)
Hosta
Sedum
Peonies
Hydrangea(Panicle variety)
Spirea
Ninebark
When is the best time to plant this?
While there really is no wrong answer, most people prefer to plant in either the spring or the fall. You can still plant in summer as well. It really just comes down to watering as to when you plant.
How far apart should I plant these?
This will really depend on what plant you are talking about and what look you are trying to get. This would be best to ask one of our nursery staff about.
Can I plant this near my house/foundation?
This will depend on which plant we are talking about. Most shrubs and perennials would do fine relatively close. Trees and larger shrubs should be farther away. Please ask us at the nursery for specific answers.
What should I put in this area of my yard?
There is information we would need in order to be able to answer that question. If you are able, please stop by the nursery with pictures and we will help you decide what can work. We also offer landscaping landscaping services if you prefer.
Can you help design my landscape?
We sure can. Please check out our landscaping section on our website or call and ask for the landscape department.
Light, Water and Care
How often should I water this?
Please see our watering watering guidelines.
If you have further questions, please contact us.
Does this need full sun or shade?
If you search the item you are looking for on our website, it will have what the recommended light requirements are.
Why are my leaves turning yellow or brown?
Yellow or brown leaves are usually a sign of watering stress—most commonly overwatering (yellow, soft leaves) or underwatering (brown, dry/crispy edges). It can also be caused by things like poor drainage, too much sun, nutrient issues, or natural aging, so the exact cause depends on the plant and conditions. For help
identifying the exact problem please contact us.
Am I overwatering or underwatering?
Overwatering: Leaves may turn yellow, appear soft, and begin to wilt even though the soil is wet. Newly planted plants may also drop leaves prematurely. The soil around the root ball may stay constantly soggy, which can reduce oxygen to the roots and lead to root stress or rot. Plants may look weak or fail to establish properly.
Underwatering: Leaves may turn brown and dry starting at the edges and moving inward. The plant may appear wilted, droopy, or stressed, especially during warm or windy conditions. The soil around the root ball will feel dry, and newly planted items may struggle to establish roots. Continued dryness can cause leaf drop, slowed growth, or dieback on branches.
Do I need to fertilize this and how often?
Fertilization is generally not recommended at the time of planting. If soil quality is poor, organic matter such as compost may be incorporated into surrounding soil. In most cases, no fertilizer is needed during the first year if the tree was planted in reasonably healthy soil. Fertilize in early spring of the following year, once the tree has begun to establish. After establishment, if a tree shows poor growth, pale foliage, or nutrient deficiency symptoms, a light application may be appropriate. We recommend a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
What kind of soil does this plant need?
Well-draining soil is the best for almost all plants. With the proper amending and watering practices, plants can live in almost all situations.
How deep should I plant this tree/shrub?
The goal is to plant with the root flare are ground level or slightly higher in case it settles a little. Planting the root flare to deep can lead to certain health problems.
How do you recommend to plant this?
Please check out our planting planting guidelines
What's eating my plants?
Could be a great many thing. Please send pictures to info@countryarbors.com and we will do our best to answer for you.
How do I get rid of bugs/pests?
There are select general insecticides that we carry here at the nursery, but for certain bugs/pests, please reach out as we can help decide the best treatment.
Is this disease or just stress?
There are many similar signs for both. Please send pictures to info@countryarbors.com and we will do out best to answer you.
Why isn't my plant blooming?
The most common reasons a plant isn’t blooming are not enough sunlight, too much nitrogen (fertilizer), or it’s still too young or recently transplanted. It can also be due to improper pruning timing, stress (water, weather), or the plant’s natural bloom cycle.
How do I revive a dying plant?
Start by checking the basics: make sure it’s getting the right amount of water (not too much or too little), proper light, and good drainage, since most plant decline comes from those issues. Then trim off dead parts, check for pests or root rot, and adjust care—many plants bounce back once the conditions are corrected. This does not always work.
How long will this live?
It depends on the type of plant—annuals live one season, perennials come back for many years, and trees/shrubs can live decades or longer.
How do I transport this safely?
Depends on the product, but most plants prefer to be protecting while traveling. We will gladly assist with loading your plants properly to make sure nothing happens to them on the way home.
Can I leave this in the pot?
Short term you can leave a plant in a pot. Long term, you must either upsize the pot or put the item in the ground. This is because the root structure will grow too large for the pot and could eventually choke itself off.
Do I need to repot this?
If the root structure is getting too large, it would be beneficial to upsize your pot or put it in the ground.
Is this plant safe for pets/kids?
Please ask a nursery staff member to help as there are too many varieties to list here.
Will deer/rabbits eat this?
While deer and rabbits are less picky than they used to be, they still tend to stay away from certain plants. Please ask a nursery staff about specifics.
Warranty and Returns
What is your warranty if we have work done through the landscape department?
Coming Soon!
What is the warranty if we have work through our deliver and plant department?
Warranty and Conditions of Sale
Plant Warranty
Country Arbors Nursery warrants that all plants are healthy and meet the stated size and grade at the time of sale. All plants are grown and handled according to accepted nursery industry standards and inspected under applicable government regulations.
For plants installed by Country Arbors Nursery, we provide a one-year replacement warranty for eligible trees, shrubs, and evergreens. If a plant does not survive within one year:
- One replacement plant will be provided, of same size and quality if available
- If the original variety or size is unavailable, a substitute will be recommended
- Replacement plants are not covered under a new warranty
- Refunds are not provided
Replacement requests must be submitted within one year by email to info@countryarbors.com, including supporting photographs.
Limitation of Coverage: Replacement plants are provided free of charge; labor, installation, delivery, or other landscaping costs are not covered unless specifically stated. Installation labor for replacements is billed at a minimum of one man-hour ($75).
Plant Establishment and Transplant Shock
Newly installed plants may experience transplant shock, which can include leaf drop, wilting, browning or discoloration, slow growth, or minor branch dieback. These conditions are normal during the establishment period and do not necessarily indicate plant failure. Proper watering and care, as outlined in post-planting instructions, may allow recovery. Country Arbors Nursery reserves the right to determine whether a plant qualifies for replacement under warranty.
Inspection and Watering Responsibility
Country Arbors Nursery may inspect plant material before approving any warranty replacement. Watering-related issues may be evaluated using soil moisture readings below the surface to determine if watering levels were adequate.
The property owner is responsible for providing proper watering according to post-planting care instructions. Newly planted trees, shrubs, or perennials require surface or slow trickle/drip watering; automatic irrigation is not appropriate. Failure to provide proper watering may result in plant loss and will void the warranty. Country Arbors Nursery is not responsible for drought, overwatering, or other water-related failures.
Warranty Void Conditions
The plant warranty will be void under any of the following circumstances:
- Failure to follow proper watering or post-planting care instructions
- Plant loss not reported within one year
- Damage from vandalism, vehicles, or mechanical injury
- Plants installed in containers, planter boxes, or cemetery plots
- Plants installed under wholesale or commercial resale agreements
- Disturbance of installed plant material by the Customer or any third party, including:
- Digging around the root ball
- Relocating plants
- Disturbing soil in the root zone
- Construction, grading, or landscaping work nearby
- Plant damage caused by wildlife, including but not limited to deer, rabbits, voles, mice, squirrels, or other animals
- Losses from Acts of God or severe weather, including drought, excessive rainfall, flooding, windstorms, tornadoes, lightning, unusual temperature fluctuations, winter injury, or other severe natural events
Items Not Covered
- Fruit plants
- Perennials
- Annuals
- Houseplants
- Vines
- Groundcovers
Foliage color and plant shape may vary naturally and are not guaranteed. Such variations are normal and do not constitute defects.
General Conditions
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferable.
Customers are responsible for:
• Marking property boundaries
• Identifying private utilities not covered by J.U.L.I.E.
• Ensuring safe access to installation areas
Country Arbors Nursery is not responsible for damage to unmarked private utilities.
Country Arbors Nursery will obtain necessary J.U.L.I.E. clearance before installation begins.
Unless specifically contracted, Country Arbors Nursery does not guarantee existing site grading or drainage conditions.
Hidden obstructions such as buried concrete or asphalt that affect drainage or plant viability may void the warranty for that planting location.
Country Arbors Nursery is not responsible for delays caused
by:
• Severe weather
• Transportation delays
• Labor shortages
• Equipment failure
• Other circumstances beyond company control
What is the warranty if we take the plants and do the work ourselves?
Customer-Planted Tree, Shrub, and Evergreen Warranty
Coverage:
Country Arbors Nursery provides a one-year replacement warranty for eligible trees, shrubs, and evergreens planted by the customer.
Warranty Details:
• If a plant does not survive within one year of the purchase date, Country Arbors Nursery will provide a replacement plant at 50% of the original plant cost.
• Replacement will be of similar size and quality when available. If the original plant variety or size is unavailable, a suitable substitute may be recommended.
Claim Requirements:
• Replacement requests must be submitted within one year of purchase via email to info@countryarbors.com.
• Requests should include supporting photographs of the plant showing condition and location.
Warranty Void Conditions:
This warranty does not cover plants that fail due to:
• Improper watering or failure to follow Country Arbors Nursery post-planting care instructions.
• Damage from catastrophic events or extreme environmental conditions.
• Damage caused by vandalism, animals, vehicles, or mechanical injury.
• Plants planted in containers, planter boxes, or cemetery plots.
• Transplanting or relocation of the plant during the first year.
Items Not Covered:
• Fruit plants, perennials, annuals, houseplants, garden seeds, vines, or groundcovers.
• Natural variations in foliage color, plant shape, or growth habit are not covered and are not considered defects.
Additional Notes:
• Customer-planted warranty coverage is limited to 50% of the plant cost to account for installation by non-professionals.
• Following proper watering and care instructions is essential to maintaining coverage.
Notice: No Warranty Coverage
Please be advised that the following plant categories are not covered by any warranty from Country Arbors Nursery:
• Fruit plants
• Perennials
• Annuals
• Houseplants
• Garden seeds
• Vines
• Groundcovers
• Clearance plants
Important: Natural variations in foliage color, plant shape, or growth habit
are normal and are not considered defects. Country Arbors Nursery does not provide replacements or refunds
for these items.
What is your return policy
Coming Soon!!
Website
What if an item is not showing on your website?
Our website only reflects our current inventory, which changes often. Feel free to call and ask if you don’t see something you’re interested in.
What if the item I am looking at does not have any extra information?
Our website is updated regularly. We try to provide general information, but not all details are listed. Feel free to call with any specific questions.
Why doesn't this item have a picture?
Our website is being worked on constantly, and we try to provide images when available, but not all items will have photos. Feel free to call if you have questions about a specific item.
Why is your website so awesome?
Because it is!!!
Get in Touch
Have questions or need more info? We’re happy to help. Just fill out our contact form, submit, and one of our team members will get back to you.