Is there hope for my tree? - Ask Extension
I have a tree placed by my builder that appears to be dying, but does still show green in some branches, and some leaves trying to pop out. I dug a b...
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Is there hope for my tree? #871976
Asked June 06, 2024, 10:16 PM EDT
I have a tree placed by my builder that appears to be dying, but does still show green in some branches, and some leaves trying to pop out. I dug a bit and can still see is has burlap and a cage on the root ball. It’s 4 years old and just looks a bit worse each year. Is it worth digging up to remove the cage and burlap? I’d like to save it if I can!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I'm so sorry. The burlap will decompose in time but the cage needs to be removed. The tree will die if you don't.
I am so sorry to hear that people are planting trees that don't know how.
You may have to get a tree mover to come in and lift the tree to remove the cage. I'm not sure if you can get the builder to take responsibility.
Make sure who ever is planting for you knows what they are doing.
Again I'm sorry!
Thank you so much! I dug it up this afternoon and removed the cage, I’m hoping it will survive, I really appreciate the advice!
Keep it watered throughout the summer and fall. Hopefully it will.
