Are these actually the varieties we specified with the contractor?

Verifying plant varieties is important to ensure you’re getting what you paid for. Check the tags attached to each plant and compare them against the contract’s botanical names and cultivars. For example, if your contract specifies Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Blaze’, make sure that exact variety is what was installed, not just a generic red maple. If substitutions were necessary due to availability, your contractor should have provided a signed change order documenting the new plant variety and explaining why the switch was made. If you notice a mismatch without prior approval, request correction or a credit. Keep all plant labels until the final walkthrough is complete, and don’t sign off on the project until you’re satisfied the varieties match your plan. Small differences can affect growth patterns, fall color, or long-term performance, so accuracy matters.