Knowledgebase

new planting - nectarine #869627

Asked May 22, 2024, 1:47 PM EDT

Hi I planted a newly purchased nectarine tree on 5-11. today 5-22 the trees green leaves have dropped.  I cannot say that the tree looks dead as the limbs are not the color brown.

I planted the tree per the label attached to it.  2 times the size of the pot it was in.  the junction was just above ground, root ball loosened up and ground replaced and watered with 

5 gallons of water.  the tree has been consistently watered since.  Is there a strees period of the transition of the trees plastic pot to the ground where they lose their leaves?  is it 

dead as the other one I bought with it has its' leaves?  should I give it more time before I refund it?  I know I did things right.

Allegan County Michigan

Expert Response

While the tree could recover, it shouldn't have lost all of it's leaves. Fruit trees are often grafted, so it is possible that the top scion section of the tree could die back from damage or stress. If the tree was kept properly irrigated and cared for, there may have been another issue such as root damage when planting. I would consider replacing the tree if possible.

It's hard to say what happened, but I would look for damage to the bark at ground level or around the graft union.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/considerations_for_growing_backyard_tree_fruit
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2024, 2:10 PM EDT

Loading ...