Question on Conifer Turning Brown
westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
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plantkiller_il_5
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agowestes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked plantkiller_il_5steve duggins(Z6a) - Central Ohio
2 years agowestes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked steve duggins(Z6a) - Central OhioRelated Discussions
My baby giant seqouia is turning brown
Comments (65)Btw, what kinds of non peat based potting soils are out there? I had been using Vigaro with a good bit of luck, BUT, what else is out there in big box stores? I tried "Miracle grow" because I had THOUGHT it was "the best" because of it being sold everywhere, and it sure isn't cheap. I'll be sticking with "Vigaro" from now on. It's cheaper than MG too. It DOES have a LOT of "forest products" in it, and THAT is why I switched to MG. I had seen a Youtube video that had spoken badly about potting soils with lots of "forest products" in it, meaning wood fines, and other organic matter in it, BUT, it works quite well, I should have never tried the MG. It seems that the Vigaro had held onto moisture more than the peat based MG potting soil. that's just MY experience though. BTW, I did NOT use a giant pot though, so, that will surely make a lot of difference. Vigaro is cheaper too. About $8 a bag, BUT, the ounces or square feet, I have NO idea. And MG is about $12-$15 bucks a bag, ABOUT the same size. I get mine at Home Depot at that price of $8 a bag for the Vigaro, BUT, to each their own. The Vigaro would surely be TOO moisture holding for a tree in a pot THAT size....See MoreWhy would young conifers turn brown in the spring?
Comments (7)Drat. I posted a long reply a few days to this and for some reason it didn't save. Argh! It even had pictures! I was wondering why I hadn't gotten any responses... Here are answers to your questions: -They were potted. -Bought and planted in mid/late May. -The nursery guarantees plants for one year--50% rebate in store credit (pretty pitiful, right?!). We were a few DAYS past that deadline, so they're offering nothing. I'm trying to decide the approximate probability that this is my fault versus their fault before I post some negative reviews. I want to know how angry I should be. -We're in Western NY state, so it's real winter, but this one was not especially cold. Nor dry. Nor wet. -We're very good about watering. We planted a lot of other perennials last year in the same area, and I believe 100% of them came back and are thriving (possibly lost one--can't remember exactly how many penstemon I planted). We watered the trees more than the rest of the bed, with good soakings at least 1/2 times a week, more or less depending on rain and temps. -Yes, they were mulched. -No idea about the %. I fixed it--thanks! -Planting hole (and entire bed) heavily amended with compost. Both home-grown and store bought. -I believe the two dead ones never showed any new growth this spring (the living one has lots of buds). So I think you're right they died some time ago. Here are some photos: This one is much browner in person than it looks in the photo. I do recognize that it's a bit crowded now. That's new--the plants around it really exploded this spring (which tells you something about the watering and soil quality). For what it's worth, I generally have very good luck with not killing plants. It's rare for me to lose them, and I usually assume it's a poor fit of plant and soil/climate. I would do that with these, except that they were about $100 each (!!! We used this nursery because of gift certificates.), and the owner assured us they were both good choices for our area....See MoreConifer Brown in less than 24 hours.
Comments (11)Wow I came here to post the exact same thing! I planted my Elf from Khelm's last spring and he's been happy ever since with good growth this year. Then two days ago he went nearly 3/4 brown seemingly overnight. The same pale brown color as your photo. We've also had very hot and humid weather for a few days here in WI. The Picea glauca 'Pixie Dust' I got from Khelm's and planted the first weekend of May also showed a small amount of brown on the same side. It is about 4' away from Elf in a little more shaded spot. The brown was on the side that gets the most sun but they are both full sun plants. Any idea on why this happened? I wonder if the quick temperature change we had from high 60's to mid/high 90's. I had no browning on Elf last year when the temps were 90-100 but it was much more gradual of a change. Is there anything I can do to increase their chance at survival?...See MoreBrown conifer - dying?
Comments (1)Brown and brittle means dead. Diagnosing the cause isn't going to be easy. Resin...See Morewestes Zone 9b California SF Bay
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agowestes Zone 9b California SF Bay
2 years agowestes Zone 9b California SF Bay
2 years agowestes Zone 9b California SF Bay
2 years agowestes Zone 9b California SF Bay
2 years agowestes Zone 9b California SF Bay
2 years ago
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