Atwood LawnCare

Q: Why do my new trees or shrubs not survive?

WHAT YOU’LL SEE... is that apparently healthy bushes or trees suddenly scorch or die. The plants have usually been in the soil for about a year or less, but some may have been planted longer than that.

THE REASONS FOR THE PROBLEM... are many. Here is a list of the many options, which will have to be investigated.
1. The quality of the plant. How were the plants grown and handled by the nursery? Did the nursery guarantee the health of the plant?
2. Planting procedures. Is the root ball planted too high or too low? Improper height will affect how the plant uses the water available. If it is too low, drowning is very common. Also, if there is big difference in the type of soil the tree is planted in versus the type of soil in the container, a “soil interface” problem may develop which affects the amount of water getting to the plant. Be sure to mix the two soil types together when planting.
3. Watering. For any plant, proper watering is critical. Too much or too little will cause major problems. Is the plant near a downspout? See our article on Landscape Watering.
4. Root Containers. Plastic, burlap, tin can, or other containers are not meant to be left in place when the tree or bush is planted. Containers must be removed at the time of planting and burlap must be pulled back from the trunk and slit on the bottom.
5. Girdling. Any plastic or nylon twine left on the truck will cause damage to the plant after 3-5 years. The vascular tubes in the trunk are closed off, which will kill the plant.
6. Root problems. In many instances, the root ball never grows out of the circular pattern that it established in the container. This is particularly true of older plants that spent a lot of time in a container. In addition, many diseases of roots are possible which could affect the health of the plant.
7. Winter damage. Whether its frost damage, windburn, or heaving, plants are susceptible to a variety of problems. Sometimes, a plant will leaf out or flower, appearing to be quite healthy, only to die immediately after. Winters can be very hard on new plantings and must be taken into account.
8. Mechanical Damage. Whether it is from a lawn mower coming too close and bruising the stem, or improper pruning, or animals eating the plants, physical damage to the plant can inflict serious harm to the health of the plant.

THE BEST WAYS TO CONTROL THESE PROBLEMS... is to be sure your trees and shrubs are planted correctly the first time. Once symptoms are found it often too late for the plant. However, most plants are very resilient, and if the problems are diagnosed early enough, and immediately corrected, you may be able to nurse your landscape back to health.