I purchased 2 laurel willow trees last Sunday. Unfortunately I did not have the time to plant as a friend made me realize that I needed to have Alberta One Call mark where the electrical and gas lines are. They came yesterday and I was able to plant one today. The problem is that both trees has dried leaves now and some are turning yellow. Does this mean the trees are dead? Should I bother planting the other tree? Please help...I've never planted a tree before.
Did you plant trees in a gas/hydro ROW or on your property near gas or hydro lines? Utilities typically have guidelines for landscaping to avoid future conflicts with roots and branches. If you did plant your tree on the ROW I'd suggest relocating it. Hopefully you watered your trees while waiting for Albertta One Call. Keep watering your trees.
Laurel leaf willows are very tough. You don't have to plant them immediately, but you do need to keep the roots moist. Give then some water daily until planted and they will probably pull through. Once planted give them a good soak. They grow very large, very quickly... Also, You don't normally have to identify gas/electrical lines when digging holes for trees. Those utilities are normally buried very deeply especially in Alberta where the ground freezes 4+ feet deep, much more than the foot or two required for a tree hole. They are also normally marked by flag tape or similar six inches or so above the service so they don't inadvertantly get damaged.
Thanks everyone for the advise. It's really greatly appreciated. I planted the other tree yesterday. I have been watering them daily but the leaves are still dry. Should I remove the dried leaves and hope for regrowth? Alberta One Call did come and marked where the gas and electrical lines are and the information they left in my mailbox states if I did need to dig close to the the lines to give at least 1 meter distance and I did. I friend of mine did say not to plant it near the house...why is that? Does anyone know? Thanks again for the response...it really helps!!
