We have a sapling sassafras we planted last year that has grown from about 1.5-2' to 5' tall over the course of the last two growing seasons. It was doing fantastically until about four or five days ago when we noticed it was wilting. Being an upland plant and fairly established already I couldn't imagine that it was really in need of water, especially since we'd had 7" of rain the week before. I watered it and thought maybe it was just the heat, but now I'm wondering if moles or any other burrowing animals have disturbed the roots. Does this happen? We do have moles in our yard as is evidenced by the feral cats that drag them up as a prize for us.

No other trees are showing signs of wilting, just that one. Are there sassafras diseases? Any ideas what might be causing the wilt?

Misti, try to also post this on the Ask a Question forum. Someone will probably have an answer for you. If not, maybe the Pest and Disease forum. We wouldn't want you to lose a tree of any kind! Good luck. Please check back and let us know if you find an answer.

Never figured out an answer, but the tree is totally dead. Oh well.

What a disappointment!

My guess is the 7" of water. It drowned. So sorry, those are really good trees. I love the scent!
I sure hope you can find another one.

Misti, have you dug up the tree to see if it was moles that destroyed it, or if it drowned?

The water didn't actually cover the tree in that area like in other parts of my yard, so it wasn't sitting in water...just received 7" of rain. That area is actually pretty sandy. Haven't dug it up yet but I'll let you know what I find out when I do.

Good. We can all benefit from your experience.