What do we need to monitor regarding planting stock before use?

Monitoring planting stock for being free of serious pests and damage is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, the health of the planting stock directly impacts the potential success of any landscaping or agricultural project. If the plants are infested with pests or suffer from significant damage, they may not thrive or may even die after being planted. This can lead to increased costs for replanting and delays in project timelines.

Additionally, pests can spread to surrounding plants, further exacerbating the problem and potentially leading to widespread infestations in the area. Therefore, ensuring that planting stock is healthy and free from serious pests and damage helps maintain ecological balance and supports successful growth.

While cost, growth rate, yield, and supplier reputation are certainly important considerations in the selection of planting stock, they are secondary to the immediate need for the stock to be healthy and viable for planting. A plant can be inexpensive and from a reputable supplier, but if it is infested or damaged, it will not serve its intended purpose, resulting in wasted resources and efforts.