Return policy comparison · 2026
FastGrowingTrees.com vs Lowe's
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (FastGrowingTrees.com) and April 17, 2026 (Lowe's)
FastGrowingTrees.com
B+
3.5 / 5.0 · Good
Winner
Lowe's
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
Lowe's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against FastGrowingTrees.com's B+ (3.5/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
FastGrowingTrees.comLowe's
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| FastGrowingTrees.com | Lowe's | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 1 year (Alive & Thrive Guarantee, one-time replacement) | 90 days (365 with Lowe's Advantage Card) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | None | None generally |
| Return shipping | Customer pays all shipping costs and taxes on the replacement plant | Free mail returns |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Garden supplies, grass seed, annuals, Gardenuity products, tabletop/desktop plants, holiday plants, plants planted outside their recommended growing zone | Custom cuts, Lowe's Outlet items (ALL final sale), safety equipment used, liquid propane |
| Watch-out items | Fungus, disease, or insect damage must be reported within 4 weeks of arrival to be covered | Major appliances 48 hours after delivery, outdoor power equipment 30 days |
FastGrowingTrees.com tip
This is a replacement guarantee, not a refund policy — you only get store credit instead of a new plant if your replacement is out of stock, so don't expect cash back in most cases.
Lowe's tip
1-year plant guarantee — bring back dead plants for a full refund. Outlet items are ALL final sale.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, FastGrowingTrees.com or Lowe's?
Lowe's has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against FastGrowingTrees.com's B+ (3.5/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is FastGrowingTrees.com's return window?
FastGrowingTrees.com's return window is 1 year (Alive & Thrive Guarantee, one-time replacement).
What is Lowe's's return window?
Lowe's's return window is 90 days (365 with Lowe's Advantage Card).
Does FastGrowingTrees.com or Lowe's offer free returns?
FastGrowingTrees.com: No - fee deducted. Lowe's: Yes.