[Arid_gardener] Re: New Olive Tree Falling Leaves

[Olin Miller]

----- Original Message ----- From: <jackpot296 at qwest.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 11:10 AM
> 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 ...
===================================

Many trees, including mature trees, are experiencing heat stress with our
relentless 110 + degree heat.  The trees just can't take up enough moisture
to compensate for transpiration through the leaves resulting in the leaves
withering or sun burning or dropping.  The problem could be worse with your
new tree because the roots did not have enough time to become established
before the hot weather moved in.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ