What to avoid
Avoid any tree or shrub that has been repeatedly pruned back and has lost its shape. Repeated pruning suggests it’s been dying back for ages and may be seriously sick, not just suffering from recent neglect.
Also steer clear of pest infestations – especially at the roots. Picking off the odd snail is one thing, but a plant covered with red spider mite or scale insects, or heavily infected with another pest or a disease, may be impossible to sort out. If a plant has root pests, you won’t know unless you take a look,
