Newly Planted Tree Leaves Turning Brown, Yellow or Wilting? Try…
May 16, 2017Gently placed in its planting spot, sealed with soil and quenched with water–you can’t wait for your new tree to flourish!
But, after weeks of watching your tree soak in its brand-new life, you see... brown, yellow or wilted leaves?
When new trees have drooping or discolored leaves, there’s a problem. So, what can you do to help?
Why You’re Having Problems with Newly Planted Trees and What to Do
Adjusting to a new home is stressful for young trees. The sudden change in environment can lead to all sorts of problems, which is called transplant shock.
Transplant shock usually starts at the tree’s roots. Sometimes roots don’t have enough room to spread out or didn’t get enough water right after being planted. Whatever the case, trees wear their heart on their sleeve–or should we say their leaves. That’s why you see those wilted, yellow or brown leaves.
Is my newly planted tree dying?
You can often revive a shocked tree, but you’ll first need to make sure it’s alive and well.
- Try bending a tree branch. If the tree’s dead, it will easily snap. Live tree twigs are nimble, so they’re flexible, bendable and much harder to break.
- Or scratch a spot on the twig with your fingertip or a pocket knife. If the layer immediately under the bark is moist and bright green, the tree’s alive.
What to Do About Newly Planted Tree Leaves Wilting, Turning Yellow or Browning
Trees often suffer from transplant shock because their roots don’t have enough room to establish themselves.
Shocked trees also need a little TLC to get them back on track. Here are a few things you can try:
- Give tree roots at least one inch of water per week.
- Apply a two-to-four-inch deep layer of mulch from the base of the tree to the drip line. Keep mulch five inches away from the trunk.
- Don’t over prune young trees, unless it’s to remove dead or damaged branches.
If those steps don’t appear to help your tree, consider replanting the tree in a larger hole. First, read this guide about transplanting trees. If you’re unsure if your tree needs moved, ask an arborist. Replanting your tree again could shock it once more.