What updates will I receive on my sample status?
Generally, the first update you will receive is the emailing of your sample analyses report(s).
What is the Sample ID and where do I get this?
Sample ID is the unique term or name you give an individual sample, thus allowing you to know which sample is which when the sample report(s) are returned to you. For example, “rose bush” or “apple tree”.
Can I dropoff the sample to the laboratory?
The laboratory lobby is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on days that the Texas A&M University campus is open. This includes closure due to weather or early dismissals.
How much plant leaf sample do need to supply for testing?
Approximately one pint of semi-compacted leaves.
My tree died, can you test for what caused the death?
Our plant tissue analyses will not directly indicate the cause of plant death, especially old and dead leaves. While some indication of nutrient toxicities might be observed in plant tissues samples, these data will only be viable in living, yet sickened plant tissues.
What part of the plant should I sent for analyses?
The plant part differs depending on plant species and state of development. In non-trees, the youngest, most fully developed leaves are used (but only during active plant growth seasons), while trees are often the most fully developed leaves in the mid-third of the canopy. Contact the laboratory for specifics for your species.
What should I put my plant sample in prior to shipment?
We recommend plant samples be placed in clean paper bags. Avoid putting fresh tissues in plastic bags, as degradation of the sample will likely occur in transit.
Can you provide fertilizer recommendations based on my plant analyses?
No. All fertilizer recommendations are based on soil samples, not plant tissues.
Do you test for pesticides?
We do not test for pesticides in any samples.