Plants arriving with sand, soil, or earth will be refused entry. Inspect your plants carefully and discard those obviously diseased or infested with insects. Do not treat plants yourself. Plant inspection station treatments are given only when necessary and are specific for the pest being controlled. Packaging for shipment.
Improper packaging is the most common cause of plant death or deterioration during shipment.
The best state in which to ship plants is while they are dormant. In this state, they are more likely to withstand temperature extremes, dehydration, other rigors of transit, and the effects of treatments at inspection stations. Use a sturdy container for shipment. Pack the plants loosely, using crumpled newspaper or excelsior to protect them from bruising and to allow free air movement. Do not enclose the plants in plastic bags, where they will receive too much or too little moisture and will deteriorate.