Help! I have a cherry tree that has been very happy for 6 years. Just put down new sod next to it, watered the grass which is now gorgeous, but every leaf on the tree has turned brown and shriveled. How do I know if the tree is still actualy alive and if so what can I do to fix what I assume is root rot given that I still have to water the grass? Thanks
You don't want sod next to your tree. It will steal nutrients the tree needs for its more shallow roots and keep the moisture level at the base of the tree much higher than it is used to. At this point you will probably have to choose grass or tree....
what was there before the sod? Did you have to dig up and till the top couple inches of soil to kill the pre-existing grass? Grass under the drip line of the tree doesn't help but we've all seen millions of lawn trees with grass right up to their trunks. My concern with doing anything is if it causes more stress for the tree. First I think rip out the sod for maybe six feet around the trunk, then I think that will expose any new feeder roots the tree is putting out. Ug, what to do.
