Use case: collecting and transporting plants for winter storage

Example use case: The following scenario is for illustrative purposes and is not a documented customer reference.

There are large potted plants on a hotel terrace that have characterized the outdoor area all summer long. In the fall they will move to the winter quarters of a nursery. The storage space is reserved, but there are heavy containers, delicate crowns and a narrow acceptance window between the terrace and the greenhouse.

This exemplary scenario shows how to prepare for the collection and transport of overwintering plants. It is aimed at hotels, restaurants, horticultural businesses and companies with seasonal outdoor greenery.

The initial situation: The winter quarters have been determined, the transport has not yet

In the assumed case, a hotel would like to have twelve potted plants brought to a regional nursery. The same plants are expected to return in the spring. The nursery takes over the wintering and care; A separate partner is required for transport.

The challenge is not just the distance. The decisive factors are the total height of each plant, the space required by its crown and the weight of the planted container. In addition, there is the route to the vehicle: a plant on a ground-level terrace can be picked up differently than a heavy pot behind a staircase.

Step 1: Record plants and collection conditions

Before the request, the hotel creates an inventory list. Each plant receives a label that is reused when picked up and returned. Captured:

• Plant type and number,
• Total height including bucket and maximum width,
• Weight of the complete unit, if known,
• Material and condition of the vessels,
• Photos of the plants and the path to the loading point,
• existing steps, narrow doors or sensitive floor surfaces.

Unknown weights are reported as such. Large vessels in particular should not be assigned to a vehicle or a loading aid based on their external appearance. Before implementation, it must be determined how they can be moved and loaded safely.

Step 2: Coordinate timing and plant protection with the nursery

When the plants have to go to winter quarters depends on the species and the weather conditions. A rigid collection date according to the calendar may therefore be unsuitable. The Bavarian Garden Academy also recommends paying attention to pest infestation when tidying up. In the example, the technical preparation is carried out by the gardening center or the staff responsible for it. The Bavarian Garden Academy for winterizing potted plants.

The required temperature conditions are explicitly stated for transport planning. A closed loading space alone does not guarantee frost-free transport. If a certain temperature must be maintained, vehicle equipment and availability must be confirmed before booking.

Step 3: Prepare for loading and securing

On the day of transport, the plants are ready at the agreed handover point. Who moves them there is determined in advance. Additional carrying work, additional helpers or special lifting equipment should already be part of the planning.

The fuse must fit the plants, containers and vehicle. The aim is to prevent slipping or tipping over without putting pressure on sensitive branches and crowns. Whether transport racks, suitable load carriers or other aids are required is decided based on the specific plants.

Before loading, photos document the condition. Any existing cracks in the pot or damaged branches are held in place. This means there is a comprehensible basis for the handover.

Step 4: Drive directly to the agreed acceptance date

For this use case, a direct trip without additional handling is an obvious transport option. It avoids further reloading processes. The prerequisite remains that the specific transport is suitable in terms of vehicle, temperature and handling.

The nursery confirms its acceptance window and provides the agreed unloading options. When the items are handed over, the markings, number and condition are compared with the inventory list. The subsequent care and accommodation are part of the nursery's mission.

Think about the return transport in spring

The autumn list will later serve as the basis for the return delivery. Before the return journey, dimensions, condition and installation locations are checked again. The hotel coordinates the appropriate date with the garden center; it depends on the plants and the local weather conditions.

The organizational advantage of this approach: contact persons, handover points and documentation are already known. Nevertheless, every season we check whether inventory or requirements have changed.

Would you like to have overwintering plants picked up? Send DAGO Express photos, dimensions, weights, route and desired time window so that the appropriate transport option can be checked.

Inquire about transport requirements now