skip to main content

California Gardening

Wilting Autumn Purple Ash tree

17 years ago

Hi, I live in the central valley and recently had to find and plant trees because my back neighbor took down all of their trees and thus the shade for my yard. It took me a while to find the trees I was looking for, so I am planting this week. I picked a Nyssa sylvatica tree, and two Fraxinus americana 'Autumn Purple' ash to plant after much research and debate. The tupelo went in fine, no wilting, and he is looking pretty good. I planted one of the ash yesterday evening, but soon after I planted it, its leaves wilted. I deep watered it following planting, but the leaves haven't improved much overnight. Anyone have any ideas as to why it is wilting or what to do to make it perk back up?

Thanks!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

socal23
16 years ago
Off the top of my head:

Is it possible you obtained the tree from a nursery located in a much cooler area?

Was the root ball protected from the sun at the nursery? (shade from adjacent trees)

If the previous, was the pot in the sun for a long time while you dug the hole?

Did the root ball dry out before you planted it?
0
jessica_918
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the follow-up. To answer your questions: No, the nursery has the same climate as where I live (it's only 15 minutes from my house), if anything, it is a hotter area. When I was at the nursery, the root ball was in the sun partially. While I dug the holes for the trees, I kept them in the shade. I don't believe that the root ball dried out, I watered them everyday while they were still in their pots before I planted them. Any other ideas? The trees are still wilted, and I am at a loss on how to correct this.
0
Related Discussions
Purple Autumn Ash and Sugar Maple
Q
Comments (2)
i have lost 2... AP ash to borer .. up here near ann arbor.. and suspect i will lose the other three ... frankly .. it would be a waste of money ... based on the spread of emerald ash borer ... good luck ken
...See More
FYI: ash tree borers ... this helped!
Q
Comments (17)
I have just had my power restored after 5 days in the dark due to branches from a neighbor's ash tree hitting the lines (there were 250,000 people in SE Michigan without power early this week). This darn ash has splits in its bark (going upwards) some as deep as 1/2 inch (on a tree whose diameter is only about a foot) and stretching 6-10 inches. It seems to have holes all over the place (I'm assuming from insects of whatever sort) and though it has some bare branches (mostly due to upper shading by the tree) it seems happy as can be. My nieghbor attributes its resistance to the EAB to his occasional spilling of battery acid (among other things) near the trunk (behind his garage). Personally we'd like to see it succumb to EAB or something as it shades a large portion of where I put my raised beds for veggies (it was smaller back then). So, the moral of the story is wish for the tree to die, curse it regularily and contemplate its demise regularily and it will survive, thrive and be just fine. ~Chills
...See More
Top Ten Favorite Autumn Coloring Trees
Q
Comments (25)
Ok, so this year was somewhat of a bust. We didn't get the sweeping vistas of Momma Nature's bounty. Most of the good color was spotty with the occasional outstanding trees. In my little patch the best color came from my staghorn sumac, serviceberry, sugar maples, sourwood, crepe myrtle, and assorted japanese maples. Some STILL haven't turned yet! I've got a viburnum (burkwoodii "mohawk") and an itea which have consistant late color and a bloodgood jap maple that is starting to color. I think Momma just called this year a wash and let's hope that next year turns out better for everyone concerned. It may be an old wifes' tale, but it seems like when we have a hard winter, it will be followed by a nice spring and summer. Will we ever get another hard winter? I'm hoping for as much. Long sustained hard freeze would do wonders at controling fire ants and water hyacinths which have really exploded here in Central Arkansas. Next time someone tells me that water hyacinth can't survive our winters I'd love to take them to a spot near here. But, I degress. Hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving and rest of the Holidays.
...See More
Where to buy Autumn Purple Ash in Denver
Q
Comments (3)
You can also check with Cherry Creek Tree Farms or Picadilly Nursery in Brighton if you want to go local. Dave Rock (Jr.) and Lisa at Picadilly have been very helpful to me. Be sure to ask about the replacement policy. I had to purchase a starter amendment and fertilizer from Picadilly to get the warranty on 2 trees I purchased in April. I'm generally not a fan of that. However I have to say that these trees have started better than any I have planted on my own, so it's something to consider. I got such a good deal on the trees, less than half price, so I just did it. Dan's right about the borers. The nursery staff may be able to steer you towards something less disease prone and more hardy here. Good luck!
...See More
jean001
16 years ago
Very likely, the water you're adding isn't getting into the original rootball -- that's the area which will dry most rapidly during the early months.

So, I often rig a rather hokey drip system for newly planted trees.

I use 3 1-gallon plastic milk jugs. Use a safety pin to put 2 holes in each one -- the holes near the base, on opposite corners, and just above the slight curve at the base.

Set the jugs on top of the *original* rootzone, then fill them daily.
0

Related Stories

SHOP HOUZZ Houzz Products: Stock Your Kitchen for Autumn

Serve hearty meals with a side of style by gathering up these fall-perfect pots, linens, serving pieces and kitchen tools

FALL GARDENING 11 Trees for Brilliant Fall Color

By Marianne Lipanovich

Give your landscape the quintessential look of autumn with the red, orange and yellow leaves of these standouts

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Great Trees for Summer Shade and Fall Color

By Tiffany Carboni

These landscape-pro faves straddle the seasons beautifully. Could one enhance your own yard?

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The Weepers and the Creepers: 10 Intriguing Trees for Your Garden

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Bring something a little different to your landscape with a tree that dives, twists or crawls

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Honey Locust Tree

By Becky Harris

No, it doesn't actually produce honey. But its dappled light and tolerant nature are treats in city and country settings alike

FALL GARDENING Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spring is overrated for planting. Starting plants in autumn has advantages for both garden and gardener

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Chionanthus Virginicus

By Falon Mihalic

Lacy flowers cover native white fringetree in spring, and birds feed off its berries in winter

DECORATING GUIDES A Subliminal Approach to Fall Decorating

By Tiffany Carboni

Get your home in the autumn groove without going over the top, with decorating ideas from two top San Francisco designers

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Retreat to the Shade of Hardy Catalpa

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Big foliage and a towering height provide a shady respite in summer, but that's not all hardy catalpa offers dedicated gardeners

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Plants for Colorful Fall Foliage in the Water-Wise Western Garden

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Try these colorful, drought-tolerant additions to your garden for a fall season filled with color

Sponsored

Shylee Grossman Interiors

Industry Leading Interior Designers & Decorators in Franklin County

More Discussions

suburban raccoon - should I do anything?

1

Cercis occidentalis from seed collected today 2/14/24

5

Is This baby Ivy…eating my shrubs…

1

My California Rose Garden 2024

72

Sori or scale? Or both???

2