Dealing with Transplant Shock

You’ve done everything right. You’ve planted your tree in the right place, given it plenty of water and you’ve mulched perfectly. But then after a few weeks, you’re noticing that your leaves are emerging and presenting a brown, yellow or even wilted appearance. When trees are doing this, there is most certainly a problem – but can you do anything about it? Let’s jump right in!
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Why it’s happening
Just like any organism, new homes for new trees take a while for the tree to adjust to. In tree-land, we call it transplant shock. 

Transplant shock starts at the roots when they don’t have enough room to spread out or aren’t getting the amount of water they need to do in order to flourish. That’s the primary driver between your gross looking leaves.

So is my tree dying?
It’s not necessarily dying, but it’s certainly a tree in distress. Here’s what you can do to make sure things are working (mostly) as they should. 

• Bend a branch and if it easily snaps, then the tree is likely dead. If it’s in (mostly) good health, the branches will be more fungible and flexible.
• Or if you’d like, scratch the tree with a small knife. If it looks bright green underneath, you’re in business. 

So what can I do? 
All your tree will need is a little extra care to get them back on track. Here’s what you do:

• Give your trees at least an inch of water every week.
• Re-apply your mulch with a 2-4 inch deep layer of mulch that goes from the base of your tree all the way to the drip line. 
• And don’t prune. Stay away. Never prune young trees. 

If that doesn’t work, then it’s time to consider a replant with a larger hole and more space to grow – as one of the most common issues that creates transplant shock is not having enough room to grow. If that doesn’t work, ask an arborist and call a pro!