[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick]

It does indeed sound like your tree is expiring, Ruth, but there are several 
factors here that require exploring. If properly transplanted, there should 
have been little or no wilt or die back.

The tree if severely root bound could react as you say but it is an unlikely 
possibility.

If, while being transplanted, the soil around the root system fell apart 
exposing feeder roots to open air for more than a few minutes - - -

If the hole in which the tree was placed has poor drainage with feeder roots 
setting in stagnant water - - -

The excessive recent heat spell is not helpful to a newly transplanted tree 
that will, in its new environment, nearly always react with some degree of 
shock in ideal weather.

Olive trees are not commonplace here but the species is native to desert and 
Mediteranian climates. An adult olive tree died to the ground in my next 
door neighbor's for no apparent reason

If you "had" the tree planted, it may carry a warranty. Worth asking, 
anyway.

What size pot did it come in, was it put in the ground by a proffessional, 
are other trees growing healthily in the near vacinity, is this a new home 
with new landscaping or old, perhaps depleted soil or a covered-up trash 
heap? - - -

I have always considered fertilizing a new, poorly-established tree a threat 
to the tree. Others may disagree.

If a proffessional planted this olive tree, I would contact him immediately.

None of this may help but I hope the questions might lead you to finding the 
right answer and others may respond with sounder advice, Ruth.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
University of Arizona
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension




----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jackpot296 at qwest.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 11:10 AM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> Ruth Groth
> 85297
> jackpot296 at qwest.net
>
> Recently (about 4 months ago) we had an Olive tree planted in our front 
> yard.  The tree really never ever grew or formed any new leaves or 
> branches.  It just kind of sits there showing not a lot of life.  The past 
> couple of weeks all the leaves are drying up and curling and lots of 
> leaves falling, branches droopy.  Kind of looks like its dying.  We give 
> the tree plenty of water, deep watering, etc.  We also fertilized the 
> tree, watering thorougly after applying it.
> Do you have any idea why the tree may be looking like this or is it dying? 
> Thank you for your info.
>
> Ruth Groth
> 480-984-1868
>
>
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