Dear Josh, Thanks for replying! The mix is 2 parts orchid potting mix (mostly bark) and 1 part perlite. It seems to drain much better than the original mix, which seemed to hold moisture (maybe due to peat moss), and which I like to blame for the root rot in the original tree. The pot came with the tree, and it has one hole at the bottom. There is a layer of pebbles about two inches thick at the bottom of the pot. I haven't watered to the point where water seeps into the saucer -- should I? I'll definitely try out the increased waterings with full-strength Foliage Pro. I tried yesterday, and it almost seems greener today already! Pardon this rather obvious question, but how should I apply water to the plant? I have been giving 2-cup installments in a squirt bottle spaced every few hours apart. I've been misting it every few days, and letting my watering jugs sit full for a few days to get rid of chlorine. It never occurred to me to trim down the tree, but that's a good idea I should look into. Do you think I need to repot into a better soil mix? Thanks for all your input and advice. Debbie

Yes, looks like a mountain laurel - a wonderful native shrub (or small tree). If it's blooming, it is not struggling as much as you think! Mountain laurel likes some shade and the blooms prove that it is getting enough sun. This is a real keeper.

proper watering is all i ever recommend for conifers ... or any plant.. never feed a stressed plant ... and i dont buy into all those homeopathic goos ... when all it needs is PROPER WATERING .... do not water a conifer.. in a pot.. like you water annuals or perennials.. they simply do not need that much water ... and potting media is different for conifers/trees ... as drainage is imperative ... you will never make the brown green again ... so its just an issue of getting the root working.. to avoid future damage ... and if that happens.. it will eventually outgrow the damage ... you must have a pretty big balcony.. my Holstrup is going on 10 feet tall .. in about 7 years ... ken

not sure about your state / area but the local botanical garden lists this invasive as a NO PLANT for Missouri. Besides that, until proven otherwise, I bet this Capitol Pear will hold a split apart and attack nearby fences like its Bradford relative. Is this a 4x4 square of dirt Surrounded by pavement you will be planting a tree in? There are columnar oaks and maples but I would tend to want to stay one step smaller if planting in such a tight spot. Acer gresium, paperbark maple, or the right Acer japonicum, Japanes maple cultivar might look great if hardy for your summers. Here is a link that might be useful: MOBOT capitol pear