Thanks for the feedback. Does it look like the tree can live a long and healthy life with that type trunk damage after we get it through the transplant shock?

If you paid to have that installed I would be very unhappy and insist on a replacement. The first carrotwood tree we bought (in another location) looked similar and we had them pull it and get us a decent looking one. A three month guarantee isn't long enough to cover a slow death much less years of dissatisfaction, so make them give you a healthy and aesthetically pleasing tree. That's just a poor quality tree.

i would return it ...they should have more pride than to sell such

ken

The nursery is going to send somebody to come look at it on Friday. Thanks for the input everyone.

Soil looks waterlogged. Does carrotwood enjoy this situation? Few species do. Plus, I disagree that this trunk bark damage is just from rough handling. I'd be willing to bet there is extensive decay going on at the base of the plant, which also, BTW, looks to have been planted much too deeply-a common mistake of beginners but also, unfortunately, of those that really should know better. I'd rate it as junk.

Where do you live and is it hardy there? Almost looks like bark split from cold.

I live in SoCal so it definitely isn't from the cold. It was already like this when they planted it.

I think you should consider yourself lucky and take this opportunity to get a tree that won't cause crippling pain every time you step on a seed, or get a tree that has roots that won't destroy any brick or concrete it comes close to. Or to get a tree you can actually get rid of if you want. No friend, this is your lucky day.

Nonetheless, that's definitely NOT the way a carrotwood tree is supposed to look. Often times tree trimmers will give you a sizable discount if you keep the trunk and/or larger branches because the wood is so hard it ruins their chipper. So if you're stuck with removal, ask about that because, here's the good news, carrotwood is an AWESOME smoking wood for your bbq or it makes for good firewood in your fireplace as well.

If you do have it removed and the stump ground, don't believe it. Go out there with a shovel, your 5 lb. wedge and your sledge and get as much of that root out as possible. It is thick and gnarly and hard and it'll prevent you from being able to grow anything else there until you remove it.

Since I only know of this tree through literature and the web, what is it about the plant that gives it the name carrotwood?

The trunk and branches turn orangish over time