I have a customer who transplanted 11 Nova Scotia Fir trees last November. They are 11' to 13' tall, 6' to 8' in diameter, and were balled from sandy soil in Gaylord, MI. From my inspection the new site has clay soil; no soil preparation was made. In the last two weeks selected branches are dying. Most of the branches are in the lower one third of the tree, but random branches throughout the height of the tree are effected. A test hole, two feet deep, found the soil moist but not saturated. Last detail. The lot next door is under construction with a multi-million dollars house being built. The builder is using a Skytrak, (fork lift truck that extend 40 feet). Can the exhaust and/or heat be a contributing factor? Your advise or direction to a knowledge base is sought. Thank you, with blessings in advance.
