redbud advice

Hello there fellow DGers. I have two redbuds I planted this spring. They are about 6-7 ft tall. I planted them carefully using native soil mixed with small amounts of amendments. All was going well. I noticed a couple of weeks ago that one of the trees (planted about 10 ft apart) has a problem with leaves curling under, and they appear a bit dry. I have watered it just like the "sister" tree, they are planted in the same bed, get the same amount of sun. I have not noticed any bugs on either tree, nor any obvious problems with the trunks (damage) The leaves are still green. What do you think might be the problem ? Or do I even have a problem? The "normal" tree has no signs of leaves curling under nor a dry appearance. I love my new little trees and want them to do well....any advice much appreciated.

Probably not your fault, probably the nursery. My guess is that they compromised (took shortcuts) when they dug it up there and didn't get quite all the roots. It will likely recover, maybe with a few dead limbs, or just a few leaves, but not a dead tree. I've had trees and seedlings look dead entirely, but I'd leave it there and sure enuff it would regrow from the roots, not dead at all. As soon as it gets established in its new home, it should be alright. Transplant shock is never easy on trees for a while.
Something that I like to do to reduce a plant's stress is take note of the direction it faces before it is dug up, and making sure to have it facing that same direction after re-planting it. That way the same leaves recieve the same sun all the way around.

Will

Was it container grown?

Did anyone sprays for weeds anywhere nearby lately? Redbuds are very susceptible to your basic broadleaf weed killers.

Thank you for your advice and thoughts. The trees were container grown, and about weed killers, yes I think my next door neighbor (who dos not have one weed in her lawn) has a co. come out that sprays her lawn for weeds. What do I do for that if that is the problem?

Call them. If they're honest and have someone who knows herbicide damage diagnosis (which is leaves curling and becoming distorted before eventually turning brown and with holes) - they'll have to reimburse you.

I too thought the roots might simply be struggling getting established - but when you said "curling" that either meant herbicide damage or insect damage like say from catepillars (Tent catepillars, most-likely) and you'd definitely see them because of the 'tents' they produce - so evaluate - call your nursery the tree came from and have them come look too - even call in an arborist if you need to if you truly think it's herbicide damage and the lawn company isn't budging.

Unfortunately most nurseries don't have guarantees unless they do the planting on their own. But still, they might be kind to help you in any way they can.

Good luck -

Dax

I agree, but you might then offer to hold off on the replacement or reimbursement subject to the subsequent performance of the tree and their promise to avoid that lawn care company in the future. Redbuds usually recover from this if it's not too severe, and your neighbors hopefully will appreciate the "probation" you're giving them for this first offense. (Unless, of course, you have some of those neighbors from heck that we all used to rant about over on The Dark Side a few years ago.)

Guy S.

I thought that too Starhill. I assumed it would recover.

Dax

Thank you all for the sound advice. Never thought about herbicides. The tree furthest from the neighbors yard is fine. I will call my neighbor and talk to her about the possible problem. Shes a very reasonable person. Thanks again DG friends.