After dying last Summer following the June install, the original fair-sized Mugo Pine https://pbase.com/britestar/image/176353652 got replaced under warranty with this very tiny Pimiko Spruce. Although this specific Pimiko is smaller than expected, my main problem is that it arrived just yesterday with brown dead branches on the lower half+. That is concerning. I expected to receive a completely healthy-looking plant and not one in decline. The original bush removed had been a total dried out crispy critter since 2025. This is the "warranty replacement". I hope it one somehow recovers. But even on new planting day, it looks pretty sick.

The warranty replacement guy did admit (before the crew planted it) that the new bush looks like it has significant problems. However, it was all they could find to give us. We were in no position to refuse it... Meanwhile, my butterfly stake is now working to try to brighten up the scene and make the dead less noticeable.