Post a reply

Avatar for MrMeatloaf
Nov 7, 2023 10:56 AM CST
Thread OP
Monrovia, Ca. 91016 Southern C
About 10 days ago my tree trimmers planted a 15 ft. Camphor tree in my front yard. Almost right away it started wilting with some leaves turning brown. The remaining green leaves started wilting and curling. At first I watered it a lot. Then I read to only water it once a week. I'm really worried about it. Will it snap out of it?
Thumb of 2023-11-07/MrMeatloaf/81f5ba
Image
Nov 7, 2023 12:14 PM CST
California Central Valley (Zone 8b)
Region: California
At the beginning, newly planted trees have to be watered a lot. The idea is to deep water to keep the root ball damp and encourage the roots to grow into the native soil. Did they take the burlap off or at least slice it up really good. Large trees and trees contained by burlap have a more difficult time - you have a double whammy if they didn't.

Camphor trees are often used for street trees in my area but I have never seen one that big planted. Studies have shown that large tree transplants take longer and do more poorly than smaller trees.

My best advice now is to put a hose at a drip near the base of the tree and leave it for a few days. After you know the root ball and surrounding soil is completely moist, you can step back the watering to once a week (depending upon weather, maybe every couple days) - keep a constant moisture level until the tree establishes. That may be a year.
Avatar for CalPolygardener
Nov 7, 2023 4:24 PM CST
California (Zone 9b)
Since most of the foliage is still green you should be okay. I'm guessing it was in a plastic container or a wooden box (both much more common than burlap here) and as long as the rootball didn't fall apart the tree will recover. Is your soil sand and rock or more workable? In sand and rock you will need to water more often, a couple of good soaks a week, in heavier soils maybe once a week. Whatever the soil, thorough soaking is better than normal sprinkler irrigation.
Only the members of the Members group may reply to this thread.
Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by mcash70 and is called "Echinacea"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.