Scotch Pine Topiary - Ask Extension
We had a scotch pine topiary planted in the spring on 2022. It went through transplant shock the next year (2023) with a major lose of needles. I ...
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Scotch Pine Topiary #869433
Asked May 21, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT
We had a scotch pine topiary planted in the spring on 2022. It went through transplant shock the next year (2023) with a major lose of needles. I fertilized it this spring and have been diligent in watering. New candles are forming, but there are still areas of no growth. I am not sure if I am over or under watering it or if I should give it another round of fertilizing (and if so what would you recommend).
I have read that it is possible for a pine to go through transplant shock for three years. Is there anything I should be doing or just have patience?
Thank you,
Bob
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Bob,
Thank you for reaching out to the Master Gardeners!
Based on your pictures it does seem that you have a good amount of new growth, so our initial answer is to say give it some more time! There are many factors that can affect the pine in general and we'd like to provide you with some additional resources to refer to as we don't know exactly where it is located. The type of soil, sunlight, exposure, how deep it was planted, type and amount of fertilizer applied, etc. all can play a role.
Please see this fact sheet about evergreen shrubs which can help explain important information about drainage and soil: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/evergreen-shrubs-7-414/
This fact sheet details fall and winter watering: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/
This sheet is for evergreen trees but will provide you with proper planting techniques to make sure they have been planted correctly. Always make sure any mulch is kept off the root ball and away from the trunk. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/evergreen-trees-7-403/
Additionally: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/636.pdf
Please let us know if you have an additional questions.
All the best,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Thank you for reaching out to the Master Gardeners!
Based on your pictures it does seem that you have a good amount of new growth, so our initial answer is to say give it some more time! There are many factors that can affect the pine in general and we'd like to provide you with some additional resources to refer to as we don't know exactly where it is located. The type of soil, sunlight, exposure, how deep it was planted, type and amount of fertilizer applied, etc. all can play a role.
Please see this fact sheet about evergreen shrubs which can help explain important information about drainage and soil: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/evergreen-shrubs-7-414/
This fact sheet details fall and winter watering: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/
This sheet is for evergreen trees but will provide you with proper planting techniques to make sure they have been planted correctly. Always make sure any mulch is kept off the root ball and away from the trunk. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/evergreen-trees-7-403/
Additionally: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/636.pdf
Please let us know if you have an additional questions.
All the best,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
