Plant Sample Submission

The Plant Test Includes:

• Plant Identification
• Pest and Disease Identification
• Lawn care and weed control

Please NOTE - we do not identify wild mushrooms

Our professional plant test generally includes a comprehensive breakdown of your results, along with issue-specific recommendations to help remediate the problem. 

Payment: Each soil sample is $20.00 for cash/check and $21.00 for credit card.

Taking a plant sample: The reliability of a soil test is only as good as the sample submitted. 

Turfgrass 

• Approximately a 4 x 4 inch section. Include roots and both healthy and diseased grass. Samples consisting of dead grass are not useful.

Plants (annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees, shrubs)

• Submit enough material for more accurate identification, e.g., stems or branches with the leaves, and roots if reasonably small. Otherwise, include plant sections that exhibit symptoms.

Trees and Shrubs

• Submit branches 12"-18" long with the symptoms, but not completely dead.
• Include leaves, flowers, and fruits as available, showing a range of symptoms. 
  
• Dead leaves, plants, and branches are not useful as they no longer contain the source of the problem.

Please label the plant sample with your name and include a completed copy of the PLANT SAMPLE FORM. We can email the Form to you. Email monroe@cornell.edu to request it.

Submitting your sample:

• In person- see the office hours below
  • Summer Hours (June 1 - Sep. 30): Mon - Thur 9 AM - 4 PM, Friday 9 AM - 12 PM
  • Winter Hours (Oct. 1 - May 31): Mon - Fri 9 AM - 3 PM
• By postal mail
• By using our after-hours drop box (on the side porch)

If you have any questions about plant submission or need consultation before submitting your sample, contact our Garden Helpline (585-753-2555). 

Last updated July 31, 2026