| I PLANTED A 15 GAL EVERGREEN ASH IN MY FRONT YARD. I GET THE WEST SUN FOR ABOUT 7 HOURSD. AS U MAY NOT KNOW, IT'S BEEN TERRIBLY HOT. I WAS WATERING IT FOR THE 1ST WEEK MORN & NIGHT. I THEN TAILORED OFF TO 3 TIMES A WEEK, ONLY AT NIGHT. THE LEAVES ARE TURNING BROWN, YET THEY'RE NOT CRISPY. I DUG DOWN AND FOUND IT WASN'T WET, SO NOW I'M I'M WATERING IT EVERY OTHER NIGHT. THE STOCK IS STILL GREEN, I SCRATCHED IT WITH MY FINGERNAIL. PLEASE ADVISE!! I HAVE PICTURES I CAN EMAIL IF NEEDED. THANX TRAYCI |
| It isn't unusual for newly installed trees to go through some transplant stress. Couple that with your exceptionally hot weather and I suspect that your tree has been so stress that it has decided to go into dormancy a little early. Since you've found green tissue beneath the bark, that indicates the trunk and branches are alive, which is a good sign. As far as watering goes, it's usually accepted that one-inch of water per week is enough for a tree or shrub. However, the frequency in which you need to water will depend upon temperature and soil type. I'd water deeply twice each week during the hottest months and once each week when the weather is mild. If you're watering every other day, you may not be watering slowly enough for the water to percolate down and wet the entire root mass. Dig a hole 3-4" deep near the roots of your plant and check soil moisture. If it's dry, it's time to water; if it's still damp, you won't need to water for a few days. When you do water, make sure the water has a chance to trickle down and wet the entire root mass. An easy way to apply water is to build a basin beneath your tree or shrub (mound up a few inches of soil to create a basin). Then fill the basin with water, allow it to drain, then fill it a second time. This method allows the water to percolate down over the root mass and wet all the soil where the roots are located. Don't give up on your ash tree. I think it's just struggling to establish its root system. Once the weather cools it should perk right up. Best wishes with your tree! |
