Gardeners urged to do extra check before giving up on dead looking plant

When are slow in showing any sign of new growth, many might take that as an indication that it could be time to get rid of them. Yet, all plants are different, and while some might show new signs of growth as soon as rolls in, others may wait for weeks or months until displaying any new sign of life. Of course, this doesn't mean the plants are dead, but during that waiting period that is exactly what it can feel like, and therefore, many might be likely to make the mistake of getting rid of a perfectly fine plant.

Fortunately, if you do suspect your plant could be dead, there are pointers you can look out for that will that tell you whether it is time to say goodbye. One way to decide whether your plant is dead or dormant is to check the bark underneath, and doing so couldn't be easier.

According to experts at , the first thing to do is use your fingernail or a clean pair of pruners to gently scratch the surface of the twig, revealing the layer of tissue right under the outer covering.

The main thing you'll want to look out for is the colouring of the tissue. If the tissue is green, then that means the twig is alive, and if the tissue is white or brown, then it most likely is dead.

However, a dead twig doesn't completely mean that the entire plant is dead, it could mean that some of the branches could have been killed as a result of winter conditions or .

If that is the case and the rest of the plant is alive then all you need to do to save it is prune out the dead material and sit back and watch for regrowth.

There are a number of reasons why plants is beneficial, it works for better flowers, to prevent diseases, and windrock. However, when doing so, it's important to make sure the task is done correctly to avoid weakened plants, excessive regrowth or even plant death.

So before you get rid of that slow growing plant, make sure to take an extra peak at it to ensure that you're not riding one that just needs an extra bit of care.