Hello everyone, I am new to gardening so my question may sound dumb, but I just transplanted a 6' eastern white pine and during the move the leader tip is very wilted. It looks as though it broke. But the needles are still on it and the colour is ok it's just not standing straight up anymore. What should I do?? cut it off ?? wait for it to straighten??? any help is greatly appreciated
Generally, conifers should be transplanted only in early spring (before bud growth) or in early fall (after growth has hardened off but roots are still growing). June & July is the most problematic time to transplant. Water regularly and deeply until fall freeze up. You can leave the leader alone or stake it straight. If it's recoverable, great! If not, new buds should form just below the break (shouldn't be too late in the season for this to happen) regardless if you cut it or leave it. Simon
Actually late spring to mid summer are pretty good times to work on pines (honestly!) so there are probably other things going on.
