How to Tell If a Newly Planted Tree is Dying

Planting trees is a great way to add beauty and value to your property. However, even if you take the proper precautions, your tree can still die after planting. Here are some signs that your newly planted tree may be dying and what to do about it.

Signs of a Dying Tree

If your tree is dying, you may notice some or all of these symptoms:

Wilting or yellowing leaves

Drooping branches

Cracking or peeling bark

Leaf loss

Stunted growth

Brown or black spots on leaves

Mushrooms or other fungi growing around the base of the tree

No new growth or leaves on the tree

Causes of a Dying Tree

A tree may start dying for various reasons such as:

Improper planting, soil or drainage

Dry conditions

Inappropriate soil nutrients

Damage from pests or disease

Improper watering or overwatering

Compacted soil

Environmental factors such as high winds, temperature fluctuations or exposure to chemicals

How to Save a Dying Tree

If you notice any signs of a dying tree or suspect that something is wrong, here are some steps you can take to save it:

Water the tree regularly but not excessively.

Check the soil around the tree for proper moisture levels.

Add mulch around the base of the tree but not touching the trunk to retain moisture.

Inspect the tree for pests such as ants or aphids and apply insecticide if necessary.

Prune any diseased or dead branches.

Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for trees to improve soil nutrients.

Adjust the planting site to ensure proper drainage and soil nutrient levels, if necessary.

While some trees may not recover, others may show signs of improvement after implementing these steps. Even healthy trees can become stressed and die from adverse weather conditions, disease, pests or other factors. By taking the necessary precautions and steps to maintain your trees, you can enjoy their beauty and benefits for years to come.