Hello all! I am seeking advice about three shade trees I planted last year in my backyard. I am in central California (so we have a very hot, dry climate and heavy clay soil) and planted two "Purple Autumn" ash (Fraxinus americana) trees and one tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica). The ash trees are between eight and nine feet tall and the tupelo is about seven feet. All three trees are in full sun (there's no shade from any of my neighbors' yards), and they are several feet from all fences. This year they have not leafed out fully. The tupelo in particular has not leafed out, only about 3/4 of the tree has leaves and the top is the most sparse. I have been watering them twice a week via slow hose trickle for a half an hour each. Is this correct? I included a starter fertilizer at planting, but haven't fertilized them since. Also, none of the trees seem to be producing any new growth from their terminal buds. Any help or suggestions is appreciated! Thanks!!
It seems to me, that you have done everything right. The only problem might be, that it likes "deep, moist, fertile soil". The fact that the trees do not 'leaf out completely' may be a reaction by the tree to conserve water. ??? Mulching might help in the long run and more water right now.
We had a rainy spring up here this year, if you shared in this perhaps your heavy soil was too wet and the roots of the trees were damaged. It seems it had to be something that affected both kinds of trees even though they are not related to one another. Except the Nyssa is generally tolerant of damp soil... As the roots go so goes the top, whatever happened it is likely to have happened to the roots. Dig into the soil near the trees to check moisture if you are unable to judge required watering frequency and volume otherwise. Apply enough to moisten entire rooting area and keep it moist. Amount and frequency will vary with conditions. In future skip the starter fertilizer. Sample soil and have it tested to determine possible fertilizer needs. California Cooperative Extension can probably assist you with this. Click on second link for planting fact sheet. http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda Chalker-Scott/Fact sheets.html
Olafhenny: Thanks for your reply. I did amend half the fill-back soil at the time of planting with organic material to help get a more fertile soil. I had mulch on the trees right after I planted them last year through to this spring, but their leaves didn't show any difference this year than last. Ron B: Thanks also for your reply. Here in central California, we had below average rainfall in the winter and spring, so I don't know if saturation was the problem. I applied the starter fertilizer at the recommendation of a master gardener, but could that have burned or damaged the roots? Where should I dig to determine moisture? Right over the root ball or in the area next to the tree? Thanks in advance for your help and advice.
