If you’ve ever brought a plant home from Lowe’s only to see it struggle, you might be wondering about your options. Understanding the Lowe’s plant return policy can save you time, money, and ensure your garden thrives. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the simple return process to the specific rules for trees, shrubs, and annuals.
Lowe’s Plant Return Policy
Lowe’s offers a generous return policy for most items, and plants are generally included. The core of the Lowe’s plant return policy is a one-year guarantee for perennials, trees, and shrubs. This means if your plant dies within one year of purchase, you can get a replacement or a refund, provided you have your receipt.
For annual plants, the guarantee period is typically shorter, often 90 days to one year depending on your local store’s implementation. It’s always a good idea to check your receipt or ask in-store for the exact duration. The key is to act promptly if you notice a plant failing and to keep your proof of purchase safe.
What Plants Are Covered Under the Guarantee?
Not every green purchase is treated the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s usually covered:
- Perennials, Trees, and Shrubs: These are covered by the 1-year guarantee. This includes fruit trees, shade trees, rose bushes, and hardy perennial flowers.
- Annual Flowers and Vegetables: Usually covered for 90 days to 1 year. Think marigolds, petunias, tomato plants, and peppers.
- Indoor Houseplants: Coverage can vary, but many stores apply a 1-year guarantee to tropical houseplants as well.
- Seasonal Items: Live Christmas trees and poinsettias often have a specific holiday return policy, so check the tag at time of purchase.
What You’ll Need for a Successful Plant Return
To make the return process smooth, come prepared. Having the right items with you will help the customer service team assist you quickly.
- Your Original Receipt: This is the most important item. It shows the purchase date, price, and item number.
- The Plant (or Its Remains): You need to bring the plant back. For a dead shrub or tree, you can usually bring in the dead plant or a significant portion of it. It’s best not to just through it away if you plan to return.
- A Valid ID: For returns without a receipt, a driver’s license or state ID is required. Note that no-receipt returns may be subject to store credit and a limit.
- The Original Pot (if possible): While not always strictly required, bringing the original container can help identify the plant.
Step-by-Step: How to Return a Dead or Dying Plant to Lowe’s
Follow these simple steps to handle your plant return without stress.
- Identify the Problem Early: Don’t wait until the plant is completely dried out and unrecognizable. If it’s clearly not thriving after proper care, note the date.
- Gather Your Materials: Collect your receipt, the plant, and any tags that came with it. Place the plant in a bag to contain any loose soil.
- Visit the Customer Service Desk: Head to the returns counter at your local Lowe’s store. It’s usually located at the front.
- Explain the Situation: Politely let the associate know that the plant did not survive. Mention that you’re aware of the one-year plant guarantee.
- Accept Your Refund or Replacement: Once approved, you can choose a replacement plant of equal value or receive a refund back to your original payment method. Store credit is also an option.
What If You Don’t Have Your Receipt?
Losing your receipt doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of luck. Lowe’s can often look up purchases using the credit card, debit card, or MyLowe’s account you used. If you paid with cash and don’t have a receipt, the process is different.
- Payment Card Lookup: The associate can search for the transaction using your card. This is the easiest method if you’ve lost the paper.
- MyLowe’s Account: If you used a MyLowe’s card or phone number at checkout, your purchase history is saved online and in-store.
- No Proof of Purchase: Without any proof, the return is at the store’s discretion. They may offer a store credit for the current, lowest selling price, which might be less than you paid.
Special Considerations for Trees and Shrubs
Returning a large tree or shrub can seem daunting, but the policy still applies. You don’t need to drag a 6-foot tree back into the store. For large items, it’s acceptable to bring a representative sample, like a major branch showing it’s dead. Taking a photo on your phone as evidence before you cut a piece off is a smart move. The store managment will understand you can’t transport the entire item.
Online Purchases and Plant Returns
If you ordered plants online through Lowes.com, the return process is similar but starts differently. You have two main options:
- Return to Store: This is often the fastest method. Bring the plant, your packing slip (which acts as your receipt), and the credit card used to any Lowe’s retail location.
- Schedule a Pickup: For large or heavy items delivered by truck, you may need to contact customer service at 1-800-445-6937 to schedule a return pickup. Note that return shipping fees for plants are typically waived if the plant is dead on arrival or dies under guarantee.
Tips to Ensure Your Return Goes Smoothly
A little preparation makes a big difference. Here are some tips from experienced gardeners and former employees.
- Keep Receipts Together: Designate an envelope or folder in your garage or kitchen for all garden center receipts until the guarantee period passes.
- Attach Tags to Receipts: Staple the plant tag to the receipt when you buy it. This creates a perfect record.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: If you’re unsure about a plant’s health, take a picture and show it to the garden center staff. They might offer care advice or note your concern early.
- Know Your Store’s Nuances: While corporate policy is standard, individual store managers may have slight variations in how they handle plant returns, especially for borderline cases.
Common Reasons Plants Fail (And Are Still Returnable)
The guarantee generally covers plant failure regardless of cause, within reason. You don’t need to prove you’re a perfect gardener. Common return reasons include:
- Plant never leafed out in spring after winter dormancy.
- Sudden die-back despite regular watering.
- Obvious disease or pest infestation that was present at time of purchase (like borers in a tree).
- Root systems that were pot-bound or damaged, leading to failure after planting.
What Isn’t Covered? Understanding the Exceptions
There are a few situations where a plant return might be denied. It’s good to be aware of these.
- Clear Neglect: If a plant is bone dry and has been clearly unwatered for months, a store might deny the return.
- Damage After Planting: If your lawnmower ran over the plant or a storm broke it, that’s not a nursery defect.
- Seasonal Annuals at Season’s End: A pansy dying in July heat or a pumpkin vine after Halloween is normal lifecycle, not a defective product.
- Plants Sold “As Is”: Occasionally, clearance plants are marked final sale. Always check the tag.
How Lowe’s Plant Guarantee Compares to Other Stores
Lowe’s is know for having one of the most customer-friendly plant guarantees in the industry. Here’s a quick comparison:
- The Home Depot: Offers a 1-year guarantee on most perennials, trees, and shrubs, very similar to Lowe’s.
- Local Nurseries: Policies vary widely. Some offer short guarantees (30-90 days), while others offer none. Their advice, however, is often more specialized.
- Big Box Stores (Walmart, Costco): Return policies are often shorter (90 days) and may be less consistently enforced for plants.
Lowe’s consistent, nationwide one-year policy makes it a low-risk place to buy expensive landscape items.
Making the Most of Your Garden Center Purchase
The guarantee is a safety net, but success is better. Here are some basic care tips to help your new plants thrive from the start.
- Water Deeply at Planting: Soak the root ball and surrounding soil thoroughly when you first put the plant in the ground.
- Follow Sun Requirements: Don’t plant a shade-loving hosta in full, blazing sun. The plant tag is your best guide.
- Use Appropriate Soil: Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost to give plants a good foundation. Some plants, like azaleas, need specific soil acidity.
- Don’t Over-Fertilize: More food is not always better. It can burn roots. Use a starter fertilizer at planting and then follow a schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is Lowe’s plant guarantee?
Lowe’s offers a 1-year guarantee on most perennials, trees, and shrubs. For annual plants, the guarantee is often 90 days to 1 year. Always check your receipt for the exact terms, as they can be printed there.
Can I return a plant to Lowe’s without a receipt?
Yes, but it’s more complicated. If you paid with a card, they can look it up. Without any proof, the return is at the store’s discretion and may result in store credit for the current price, which could be lower.
Do I need to bring the whole dead plant back?
For small plants, yes, bring the whole thing. For large trees or shrubs, a significant portion (like a main branch) is usually sufficient to show it’s dead. Calling your local store ahead of time can clarify their preference.
What if my plant dies after one year?
The Lowe’s plant return policy guarantee expires after the stated period (1 year for most). A plant dying after that time is not eligible for a refund or replacement under the standard policy.
Are indoor houseplants covered?
In most cases, yes. Indoor tropical plants are frequently covered by the same 1-year guarantee. It’s best to ask at the time of purchase and keep your receipt filed away.
Can I get a cash refund for a plant?
If you return with the original receipt, you can typically get a refund back to your original payment method, which includes cash if that’s how you paid. Without a receipt, you’ll likely receive store credit.
Does the policy apply to seeds and bulbs?
Live plants are covered, but seeds and dormant bulbs (like tulip or daffodil bulbs) often have a different, shorter return policy or may be non-returnable. Check the packaging for details.
What about plants bought on clearance?
Clearance plants are usually still covered by the guarantee, unless they are specifically marked “As Is” or “Final Sale.” The return would be for the price you paid on clearance.
Who do I contact for online plant returns?
You can start an online return through your Lowes.com account or by calling customer service at 1-800-445-6937. For simpler returns, taking the item to a physical store is often quicker.
Is there a limit on how many plants I can return?
Lowe’s does not advertise a specific limit, but excessive returns, especially without receipts, may be flagged by their system. The policy is designed for genuine cases of plant failure, not for repeatedly swapping out seasonal color.