How do I know if a plant is dead or just dormant?

Start with the scratch test. Gently scrape a twig with your fingernail. Green underneath means the plant is alive and likely just dormant. Brown, dry tissue means death. For perennials, look at the crown at soil level for new buds. Stems that bend and stay flexible are alive; stems that snap cleanly are usually dead. In Utah, many plants stay dormant later than homeowners expect—sometimes into late May. Don’t remove them too early. Some perennials and shrubs conserve energy by delaying visible growth until soil temperatures are consistently warm. If you’re unsure, mark questionable plants and recheck in a few weeks. Landscapers often confirm by pruning back lightly and checking for green tissue deeper down the stem. Moisture checks in the soil also help; living roots still draw water, while dead ones do not. Patience is key—many plants only show their survival once the weather stabilizes.