Please help my California Peppertree

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roostergooster Anaheim, CA Feb 27, 2012

My gardener planted a California Pepper in my back yard it was very large(42 x 42 container). It probably should have been craned to the back but instead took 12 guys to carry it. We had a hot spell the week after it was planted, maybe it did not get enough water or just the shock of the transplant, I have no idea? All of the leaves turned brown with in the first two weeks but they have not fallen from the tree. It has been 6 weeks and this is what it looks like now:( It looks dead to me but my gardener assures me it is not. Are these trees hardy? What are the odds it will come back? I love this tree and really want to save it. Any help here would be much appreciated. Please help me to save my once beautiful tree.

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Mar 01, 2012

I don't know anything about California pepper trees but you can do the scratch test to see if your tree is still alive. Using your fingernail or a small knife, carefully scratch a small area of bark (I prefer to use a small limb) to see if it's green underneath. If it's still green inside, the tree will probably pout for a while but eventually begin to put on new growth. It might help to prune it back some so the roots have less to support. Also keep it well watered (not saturated though) as the root system isn't developed enough at this point to take up a lot of water. Mulch would be helpful too to help hold moisture in the soil.

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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Mar 08, 2012

Give it a bit of time. I was recently in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and the botanical garden there had a big fire a year ago. The California Pepper Trees came back from the fire. Your tree will probably need a trim up but to back yourself up put this all in writing and send it to the gardener, registered mail. Be thorough with the letter outlining dates, what has happened to the tree, the instructions the gardener gave you and a request for follow-up from the gardener. Ensure it is all documented.

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