How to Determine if a Plant is Dead

Jennifer Foster • July 27, 2023

Indoor or outdoor, plants always beautify any space, bringing nature a step closer to our homes. Having plants around us brings numerous physical and mental health benefits as well. But, just as plants take care of us, we need to take care of them. Like us, plants need vital nutrients to thrive, while also being protected against diseases and insects. Through a combination of fertilization and disease and pest control, your plants can become greener, bloom longer, and be better protected. And while there is an unfortunate reality that sometimes plants can become unhealthy or even die, it is highly important to learn how to determine if a plant is dead, along with the necessary care to revive it.

Understanding the Signs of a Dying Plant

There are various reasons why a plant might turn brown or start dying. However, in almost every case, if you catch it in time, you can revitalize it. Look for basic signs like leaves, roots, and stems. The condition of these parts will give you a pretty solid indication of your plant's health. Damaged leaves indicate that something is out of balance. If the plant is wilting, there may be a lack of water, air, or nutrients. However, too much water can also cause problems, as it reduces the oxygen in the soil, making it harder for the plant to breathe.

However, damaged leaves but healthy roots prove the plant is worth fighting for. Even if you end up with brittle and dry roots, the plant can still be saved since it needs water, and with a bit of extra care, it can be brought back to life. On the other hand, if the roots are spongy, it's harder to revive the plant as that condition occurs due to excessive water. Moreover, the roots may start to decompose and emit a foul smell. If the soil also starts smelling, you have a dead plant on your hands.

Assessing Plant Vitality

Although slightly unconventional, the best way to check if a plant is still alive is to test its flexibility upon bending. If there is a clean break, it is likely a dead limb. However, a shredded break will indicate a live plant section. If you manage to find a green area, there is a good chance for the plant to survive. But if that is not the case, gently proceed with scratching the stem to search for green signs. If you have no luck, carefully dig out the plant and observe the roots. You are looking for roots that are light and not smelly, as dead plants will have either smelly and mushy or brittle and dry roots.

Steps to Revive a Dying Plant

While many think you need to be a magician to revive a dying plant, the secret is that there is no secret. You need to have patience and give your plant some extra attention. Learn what kind of light your plant needs (plenty of light or indirect light). Make sure you water it just enough and trim out any parts that have already died out. Also, exercise caution when it comes to fertilizing until you know exactly how much and how often it's needed. Moreover, if not necessary, avoid re-potting it, as doing so will place the plant under additional stress.

Patience and Monitoring

Nothing happens overnight. After all, even the dying plant took a while to reach that point. Tend to it for a few weeks, and then make another evaluation. Patience is the most important aspect here. Even with the correct steps in place, it could take up to a month to see visible improvements. Just don't give up too easily. And always keep in mind that finding the right solution might take some time and effort, so be prepared for some troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Taking care of your plants from the beginning will always be easier and cheaper than spending all that time and resources to learn what is wrong and finding the right solution. Being observant and curious, making sure there are no brown or wilting leaves, or odorous roots will help them to live longer. Plus, you’ll need to ensure they receive enough light exposure and water. However, with our busy lives, we may not always have the time. So finding a company like Landtech Scenery to treat your green heaven will not only take all of those worries but will leave you with a backyard you will enjoy spending time in.

FAQs

1. How to tell when a plant is too far gone to try to revive it?

Observe the signs such as rooting, decay, discoloration, and soft or mushy spots. These signs indicate a plant that’s hard to revive. The presence of any disease, pests, or mold is another case. Dry plants might also join the same category. And the bottom line, if you are not sure, you can always check with a professional.
2. How long does it take for a wilted plant to recover?

Recovery time for wilted plants can vary due to different causes as well as environmental conditions. Drought, poor soil, or pests are just a few of those common wilting causes. To give it its best chance, educate yourself on that particular plant, and look for examples of best actions. And don't just cure it - make sure to prevent it from ever happening again.

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Summer Lawn Care Tips to Keep Your Grass Green in Southern California

By Jennifer Foster • July 25, 2025

Maintaining a healthy lawn during the peak of summer in Southern California can be a challenge, especially with high temperatures, dry winds, and strict water regulations. But with the right lawn care strategy, you can protect your grass from heat stress and keep it looking green and vibrant through July and August. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial landscape, understanding how to water, mow, and care for your lawn in extreme summer conditions is key. Here are essential summer lawn care tips to help your yard thrive in Southern California’s dry season. Adjust Your Watering Schedule for Hot Weather How Often to Water Lawn in Summer During summer, lawns need more frequent hydration due to increased evaporation. In Southern California, most warm-season grasses—like Bermuda, St. Augustine, or Zoysia—do best with 2 to 3 deep waterings per week . The goal is to water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Avoid daily light watering, which leads to shallow roots and makes your lawn more vulnerable to heat and drought. How Long to Water the Lawn in Summer A good rule of thumb is to apply about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week , either through irrigation or rainfall. To determine how long that takes with your sprinkler system, place a shallow can or rain gauge in the grass and time how long it takes to reach one inch. In most cases, this translates to watering for 20–30 minutes per zone , depending on your sprinkler type and soil. Clay-heavy soils may need shorter cycles with breaks to allow water to soak in without runoff. Watering should be done early in the morning (between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.) to minimize evaporation and fungal risk. Mow Smart to Protect Your Lawn Mowing correctly during summer can help your lawn tolerate heat better. Here are a few mowing tips: Raise your mower blade : Keeping grass slightly taller (around 3 inches) provides more shade for the soil and helps reduce water loss. Don’t cut more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session. Leave grass clippings on the lawn (mulching), as they return nutrients and help retain moisture. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, as this can stress the grass. Mulch and Fertilize Carefully Mulching your lawn with clippings or composted organic matter improves soil structure and retains moisture, critical during long dry periods. When it comes to fertilizing, avoid heavy applications during summer, as it can burn your lawn. If needed, choose a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer, and always water thoroughly after application. Watch for Signs of Stress or Disease Even with proper care, lawns can show signs of stress in extreme summer heat. Look for: Wilting or folded grass blades Footprint marks that remain visible Discoloration or patchy browning These are signs that your lawn may need deeper watering or a slight adjustment to its watering schedule. Also, monitor for pests like grubs, which are more active in warm soil. Use Drought-Tolerant Lawn Alternatives If you’re struggling to keep a traditional lawn alive in summer or dealing with water restrictions, consider switching to drought-tolerant grass varieties or lawn alternatives. Great options for Southern California include: Buffalo grass UC Verde Mow-Free grass Kurapia ground cover Artificial turf (low maintenance and water-free) These options reduce water usage while still maintaining the look of a well-kept yard. Install Smart Irrigation Systems Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on local weather data, helping you comply with regulations and conserve water. They also help prevent overwatering, which is a common issue in summer. Pair smart controllers with drip irrigation or efficient rotor sprinklers for even better results. Final Thoughts Lawn care in Southern California’s hot summer months doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With smart watering practices, proper mowing, and attention to seasonal stress, your lawn can stay green and healthy well into fall. Looking for help keeping your landscape lush this summer? Contact Landtech Scenery for customized summer lawn care solutions tailored to Southern California’s unique conditions. Learn more about our full range of landscaping services at Landtech Scenery .