Six days ago I purchased a +/-4' round pine bush (labelled "black pine" by the nursery) for the container garden on my rooftop deck. The pine was beautifully bushy and a deep, vibrant green. I was unable to pot it immediately, but I kept the soil bound in its burlap sack, placed it atop a thick layer of drainage material in a large drained pot, and ensured it received water once a day. This morning when I began potting the bush I was dismayed to find that it was no longer such a nice deep green. It had suddenly turned a greyish-green colour overall... almost silvery in sunlight. Closer inspection revealed brown tips on many needles (see photographs attached). I proceeded with the potting, noticing while stripping away the burlap that the roots were contained in a dense, clammy, clay-like soil. The pine now resides in a large, well-drained container but I'm concerned about its health. Any suggestions as to the cause of this apparent quick turn in health--and what I might do to reverse it--would be greatly appreciated.
Stunted current season's growth indicates heavy cutting back of roots typical of balled in burlap stock, which usually comes with barely more live feeder roots than bare-rooted stock. Change in color may signal decline in condition, perhaps even failure. Keep your receipt! Meanwhile: http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda Chalker-Scott/Horticultural Myths_files/Myths/B&B root ball.pdf
