Plant Inspection Form

Please remove Form Template Instructions before publishing the form.

Instructions for II. Plant Health

• Inspector Skill Level: If the inspectors are not plant disease experts, keep the form simple and focus on observable symptoms. For less experienced inspectors, a simple checklist or a checklist with location might be sufficient. More experienced inspectors can handle the descriptive sections.
• Purpose of the Inspection: If the inspection is for a specific disease, tailor the questions accordingly. If the inspection is focused on specific types of wounds or cankers, tailor the questions accordingly.
• Clarity: Use clear and concise language, avoiding technical jargon unless the inspectors are familiar with it.

Instructions for III. Environmental Conditions

• Inspector Skill Level: A simple checklist might be sufficient for less experienced inspectors, while more experienced inspectors can handle the descriptive sections.
• Plant Type: Different plants have different watering needs and exhibit different symptoms of overwatering or underwatering. Consider the specific plant when designing the form.  
• Soil Type: The type of soil can affect how quickly it dries out or retains moisture. You might include a section on soil type in the form.  
• Environmental Conditions: Factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure can also influence watering needs. Consider including these factors in the inspection form.
• Accuracy: How precise does the temperature measurement need to be? For general inspections, categories might be sufficient. For research or controlled environments, precise readings are essential.
• Availability of Tools: Do inspectors have access to thermometers? If not, temperature categories might be the most practical option.
• Units: Always specify the temperature units (Celsius or Fahrenheit) to avoid confusion.
• Relevance to Plant: The importance of temperature will vary depending on the type of plant. Some plants are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than others.

Instructions for IV. Maintenance

• Plant Type: The appropriate pruning schedule and severity will vary greatly depending on the species. Consider the specific plant when evaluating recent pruning.
• Purpose of Pruning: Was the pruning done for shaping, size control, rejuvenation, or another reason? This context can be helpful.
• Inspector Skill Level: Keep the form simple and easy to understand for less experienced inspectors.
• Inspector Skill Level: For less experienced inspectors, a checklist format is easier to use. More experienced inspectors can provide detailed descriptions.
• Legal Requirements: If pesticides are used, ensure the form captures relevant information like product name, active ingredient, and application rate, as required by local regulations.
• Record Keeping: The level of detail needed will depend on the purpose of the inspection. For research or commercial settings, more detailed records are usually necessary.