Is Your Plant Alive? Learn How to Scratch Test with Garden Guy!

How to Scratch Test Plants to Determine If They’re Still Alive

By Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist and Expert Houston Landscaper

Houston winters can be unpredictable, and when freezing weather hits, many homeowners are left wondering if their plants have survived. While some plants recover quickly, others may look dead but still have life in them. Before you start pruning or replacing plants, it’s important to check for signs of life. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a scratch test.

This simple test can save you time, effort, and money by helping you identify which plants can bounce back and which ones need replacement. Let’s dive into how to do a scratch test and what it reveals about your plants.

Meet Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist + Garden Guy

🌟 Todd Farber is a proud Aggie and the owner of Garden Guy, a trusted landscaping business serving Houston and Sugar Land homeowners since 2001. With a degree in Horticulture from Texas A&M University and decades of landscaping experience, Todd specializes in creating resilient, beautiful landscapes tailored to Houston's unique climate.

💡 Passionate about educating homeowners, Todd combines his expertise in plant care and design with a practical approach to landscaping. From freeze-damaged plants to designing efficient landscapes, Todd’s mission is to help Texans grow thriving gardens they can enjoy year-round.

📢 Follow Todd for expert gardening tips and advice to transform your Houston yard into a haven!

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What Is a Scratch Test?

🔍 A scratch test is a quick and reliable way to determine if a plant is still alive by checking for green tissue under its bark. Plants that appear lifeless may still have healthy stems or trunks, even if the leaves or outer branches are damaged.

How to Perform a Scratch Test

1. Choose a Spot:

   • 🌱 Select a small section of the plant’s stem or branch. It’s best to start at the tips of the branches and work your way inward.

2. Scratch the Bark:

   • 🛠️ Use your fingernail or a small knife to gently scrape away a thin layer of bark. Be careful not to deeply scratch the plant unnecessarily.

3. Check for Green Tissue:

   • 🌿 If you see green tissue underneath, the plant is still alive! This means the plant is capable of recovery.

   • ❌ If the tissue is brown, dry, or brittle, that section of the plant is likely dead. Move further down the stem and repeat the scratch test closer to the base.

4. Repeat as Needed:

   • 💪 If the first places you check are brown or dry, don’t give up. Some plants may only have viable tissue closer to their base or main trunk.

What to Do After the Scratch Test

• 🌱 For Plants with Green Tissue:

  ⏳ Be patient! Healthy plants may need time to sprout new growth. Water them consistently and avoid heavy fertilization until they’ve fully recovered.

• ❌ For Plants Without Green Tissue:

  • If the entire plant fails the scratch test (no green tissue found), it may be time to remove and replace it.

• ✂️ Pruning:

  • Trim away dead or damaged sections, but avoid cutting into green tissue. This helps the plant focus energy on recovery.

Tips for Common Houston Plants 🌴

• 🍊 Citrus Trees: Scratch test along the trunk and larger branches. Avoid pruning too early, as citrus trees often recover from the base.

• 🌴 Palms: Look for green tissue at the crown (where fronds emerge) before assuming the plant is dead.

• 🌺 Tropical Shrubs: These may show green near the base even if the upper branches appear lifeless.

Why the Scratch Test Works

🌱 Plants store water and nutrients in their green tissue. The presence of green indicates that the plant’s vascular system is still functioning, even if the outer layers are damaged by cold, drought, or other stressors.

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When to Call a Professional

🤔 Not sure what to do next? If you’re uncertain about your plants’ health or need help planning your landscape, we’re here to help.

👉 Contact Garden Guy for a Consultation or 👉 Ask Todd here now

With a little patience and a scratch test, you can determine if your plants have survived and what steps to take next. Remember, Houston plants are resilient, just like the people who care for them. Let’s keep growing strong together! 🌿