Eastern Rebud Dying Leaves - Ask Extension
My recently planted Eastern Rebud appears to be dying. Something is going on with the leaves. How can save the tree? It's planted in relatively sa...
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Eastern Rebud Dying Leaves #872158
Asked June 08, 2024, 9:02 AM EDT
My recently planted Eastern Rebud appears to be dying. Something is going on with the leaves. How can save the tree? It's planted in relatively sandy soil. How much water should I be using?
Sussex County Delaware
Expert Response
You say this redbud is planted in sandy soil. Did you amend the soil with anything before planting the tree? Sandy soil tends to have a very low pH 4.0-6.0. Redbuds prefer an alkaline pH about 7.5. Redbuds also prefer some afternoon shade and this one appears to be planted in full sun. Some caterpillar appears to be munching on some of the leaves, normally this would not affect the tree if it was thriving. The leaves are turning black on the edges which could be a sign of a disease, anthracnose, which we could tell with a sample and a lab test. Your first photo also did not show the trunk where it meets the ground, it was cut off. I was looking to see if the root flare was at ground level or if the tree was planted too deep. Lastly, was this tree purchased in a pot or wrapped in burlap?
I would get a UDEL soil test kit from your county Extension office or any large garden center and have the soil around the tree tested. The soil report will tell you if you need to add lime and exactly how much to raise the pH. This should be a first step.
Please send a photo of the trunk at ground level and let me know how it was potted up. If you planted it, were the roots circling the bottom of the pot and were they teased out when planted?
Please send a photo of one of the leaves with the black edge, front and back, against a piece of white paper. After seeing that I may ask you to bring in a sample for the lab to test for Anthracnose. There is no cost for this test.
Watering is critical - For the first 3 years after planting: If the soil is dry, provide about 1-1/2 gallons of water per diameter inch of the trunk. Sandy soil drains very quickly, and additional water may be needed. Place the water within the dripline of the tree; your drip line is very small at this point. To measure efficiently, buy a gallon jug of water and poke holes in the bottom of the container. Refill it and place it around the drip line and let the water slowly drip at many times as necessary to supply the required amount of water weekly. We had a wet early spring, but we are in a drought situation now.
I look forward to seeing these 2 photos.
I would get a UDEL soil test kit from your county Extension office or any large garden center and have the soil around the tree tested. The soil report will tell you if you need to add lime and exactly how much to raise the pH. This should be a first step.
Please send a photo of the trunk at ground level and let me know how it was potted up. If you planted it, were the roots circling the bottom of the pot and were they teased out when planted?
Please send a photo of one of the leaves with the black edge, front and back, against a piece of white paper. After seeing that I may ask you to bring in a sample for the lab to test for Anthracnose. There is no cost for this test.
Watering is critical - For the first 3 years after planting: If the soil is dry, provide about 1-1/2 gallons of water per diameter inch of the trunk. Sandy soil drains very quickly, and additional water may be needed. Place the water within the dripline of the tree; your drip line is very small at this point. To measure efficiently, buy a gallon jug of water and poke holes in the bottom of the container. Refill it and place it around the drip line and let the water slowly drip at many times as necessary to supply the required amount of water weekly. We had a wet early spring, but we are in a drought situation now.
I look forward to seeing these 2 photos.
I hope the information sent was sufficient to help your redbud. Please let me know if you are going to send the requested photos so I can close out this case.
