JimC

I bought 5 dawn redwood trees for a projected group planting. They are about one half to one inch caliper. They were in one and two gallon pots for two years now at a local nursery. Local being long island new york, nice zone 6 mid spring weather here now. When I purchased these trees I described my intentions and asked weather this was ok to do at this time of year for this species. In other words, heavy pruning above and even more below. I am not familiar with thier habits and needs. At the time they were pretty well initially leafed out. the sellers answer was very ambigious and in my opinion not very reliable because I believe her motivation to make the sale trumps my risk of failure do to out of season work on these trees. I bought them anyway but decided to grow them on a little while longer. However, I figured I would take my chances with repotting them. Once begun I ended up heavily root pruning, topping and then repotted. Alas, after 3 days they do not look very happy. the leaves are droopy and the bright green has picked up a light red/brown tinge.
Any ideas regarding prognosis? Did I really do them wrong by treating them this way at this time? Any way to help them recover?
Thanks in advance, Jim C.

Michel

Hi,

Repotting now during full spring growth (espcially with heavy root pruning)
is hardly a good idea. If ever needed right now, just a slip
into a bigger pot - without really disturbing the roots - would have
been the ticket.

Well, no sense in crying over spilt milk;
The only method I'd use to hopefully save Your trees would be
to put them in a sheltered, preferebly warmish spot in the (semi)shade.
Dunk them once in rain water, and after that, only water them
very moderately for the rest of the healing period.

On the other hand, You must mist them frequently (at least
2-3 times a day)with rain water with a small dosage of Superthrive,
or better still some HB101 in it, and loosely drape a white or
transparent plastic bag over each one of them (holding up the "tent"
with thin bamboo sticks) to keep moisture in, thus creating a very
humid micro-climate around every one of Your trees.
No need for the plastic to be tucked in;
Best is that it just stays free of the soil, thus allowing for a
minimum of air flow.
This must be kept on throughout at least the first days of
the recovery period, only to be removed shortly when misting.

Possible fungal problems because of these micro-greenhouse
conditions can be countered by adding a fungicide to the spraying
water, but only when needed; I wouldn't be using chemicals like
that on a sick tree unless when really called for.

Healing period (if succesful) should take about 2-4 weeks,
so NO fertiliser whatsoever untill definite signs of recovery are
clearly visible.

IMHO, that might just see'em through.
And a quick prayer won't do any harm either.

__________________
Greetz,
Michel

Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
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JimC

thanks for the reply. looks like i'll keep 4 out of five. Not bad considering. before I got the advice I had already soaked in superthrive, placed in heavy shade and misted frequently. ones a gonner for sure.
Sorry for the double post. Thanks Jim C