Regardless of how cautiously you plant our trees, they stress out as they adapt to their new spot. That’s what tree professionals refer to as tree transplant shock, encapsulating the vast issues trees undergo after they’re transplanted.
Transplant shock symptoms differ drastically. Usually, the symptoms make a tree appear as if it’s dying.
A stressed tree could be revitalized. Though how do you know if a tree is shocked or needs removal?
Tree Transplant Shock Recovery
Trees dropping leaves is an indicator of shock. But transplant shock may appear way different for your tree. Other warnings of a tree in shock are:
- Brown leaf tips
- Limb dieback
- Late spring budding
- Stunted growth
- Leaf scorch
- Premature fall color
- Branch dieback
Is My Tree Dead or in Shock?
Trees in shock and dead look deceptively alike, but there’s a simple way to tell the difference.
Choose a few twigs on the tree and scratch them with a small knife. If they are bright green and damp underneath, you have a living tree.
Saving a Transplanted Tree
Transplant shock makes a tree more susceptible to diseases and pests. A certified and experienced arborist can assist in diagnosing problems and suggesting treatments that could help your tree through its stressful time.
One of the critical reasons trees labor after being transplanted is due to the fact that a transplanted tree loses a massive part of its root system during the process. Furthermore, the remaining roots are usually dehydrated.
Here are ways to remedy this:
- Hydrate roots with water weekly
- Put a layer of mulch a few inches from the trunk to the leaves. You want to avoid volcano mulching.
If hydration isn’t working, remember when you first planted the tree. Was the hole the correct size? A planting hole needs to be three times the tree’s root spread and low enough for the root flare (the place where the tree begins to expand) to sit just over the ground.
While replanting your tree once again is pressing the restart button on a stressful procedure, it’s possibly the best thing for your tree if the planting spot wasn’t right in the first place.
If you need assistance in choosing a replanting spot, reach out to Tampa Tree Service.