[Arid_gardener] Re: Planting a 15 Gallon Tree

[Olin Miller]

My first thought would be to check your watering  to be sure you are
watering the root ball and not just the surrounding soil.  And if the root
ball is getting all of the water it sounds like way too much.   I believe it
would be best to water by flooding in a basin until the tree becomes
established.  For U of A recommendations on how it should have been planted
and watered, see the Pub. "PLANTING GUIDELINES: CONTAINER
TREES & SHRUBS" at
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1022.pdf

Although the Chilean Mesquite tree is often advertised as an evergreen it is
really semi deciduous and some fall leaf dropping is to be expected.  How
much leaf drop may depend on the tree's ancestry as well as on the care it
receives

I planted an "evergreen" Chinese Elm over a month ago following the
directions in AZ 1022.  The tree well is out at the edge the of the root
ball to be sure the root ball and not just the surrounding soil is receiving
water.  It was watered the day is was planted, again the next day, then
twice a week for two weeks, and weekly thereafter.  It still looks as it
did a month ago with no leaf drop..  There is no new leaf growth and none is
expected until next spring.  I will move the tree well out in the spring
before new growth, then convert it to drip before we leave for a few months
in June.  I'm sure it will be okay.  I have never needed a rooting hormone
but I believe the tree will be okay.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
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----- Original Message ----- From: "R Wentz" ,
rrwentz at tabletoptelephone.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 11:23 AM
>I bought a Chilean Mesquite from a local grower, a 15 gal., October 10,
>2007  When I brought it home it had leaves.  I planted as instructed and
>have been watering the tree every 4 days for 8 hrs (a very slow drip)  The
>tree dropped it's leaves immediately.  I called the grower to explain what
>had happened.  I was told to give another  dose of B-1 and again was told
>to water every 4 days for 8 hrs.  The tree shows no sign of putting out
>leaves.  What do you suggest I do.