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Pink Flowering Dogwood not happy

15 years ago

I planted a pink flowering dogwood about 5 or 6 weeks ago (mid May), and it seems like the leaves are burning up. I live in Houston, TX. The tree was about 5 feet tall, and came in an 18" pot. I planted using tree and shrub soil (which I assume contained root stimulator). I dug the hole about 2 times as wide as the size of the pot, and about 1-1/2 times as deep. I backfilled with the purchased soil, packed firmly. I watered deeply after planting, and about three weeks later, the soil had compacted a bit and sunk into the ground. I added soil. I watered it almost daily at first, then about every other day or every three days till now. Some of the leaves are looking dead. I figured it was just shock, so I watched for new growth. The same thing is happening to the new leaves. They turn a darker green, then the ends get brittle, and eventually turn black. It's like they are burning up in the full sun. Any ideas? Is this normal? I gave it a DEEP watering today - put the hose on just trickling, and sat there for about 30 minutes. Also just added a 3" layer of mulch about 3 feet in diameter, didn't put any mulch within 3" of the trunk. HELP - I've never planted a tree before...and I don't want to kill this one.

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Comments (3)

teeka0801(7aNoVa)
15 years ago
meaning they need shade?

I have heard that in my zone 9b(in Florida) dogwoods don't do well...just too hot overall.

teeka
texasredhead
15 years ago
You also planted it too deeply to begin then you added more soil. You need to be able to see the root flare. You are effectly smothering the tree. Also, dogwoods do best in shady or understory situations.
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GREG!!!!! congrats ... otherwise.. ITS OCTOBER ... in a week.. its leaves are going to fall off... who cares what they look like ... i would be more curious as to what you did to it at planting... rather than leaf condition ... refer to the link .. and lets discuss ANYTHING you did contrary to such ... because right now.. is when we fix any faulty presumptions you made ... as to how to plant a tree ... may you live long and prosper ... ken ps: actually.. the planting discussion should be taken over to the tree forum... as there is no way this is really a pest or disease issue.. disease simply does not work this fast .... and most of your bugs are probably dead from cold nights.. like me down here in MI ... Here is a link that might be useful: link
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
15 years ago
Wrong tree for your climate, certainly. And it does sound like you had some problems with planting techniques.

The hole should never be dug any deeper than the plant requires to sit at or ABOVE grade. Wider is great, however. Trees (and shrubs) should be planted into native soil, without the (so-called) benefit of amendments of any kind.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's some great information

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