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Over or Under Watered Birch #874945

Asked June 27, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT

Hello, 12 days ago we purchased a Heritage River Birch clump. We were not able to get it in the ground until today. After 6 wet weather days a third of the leaves had turned yellow. On days it didn't rain significantly it was watered, erring on the side of too moist thinking a birch could tolerate that. 12 days later still in the pot the yellow leaves have browned and dried up, more leaves have turned yellow and some of the green leaves are looking dry. Less than 1/4 of the leaves now look healthy. We now water it twice a day believing it's not retaining enough moisture. How likely is this to survive if we get it in the ground today. Do you think it was more likely under or over watered, and why was it so sensitive to either? Thank you!

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Is the 3 rd photo a view of the roots in the container? Was the clump dug up and put in a container 12:days ago. It is puzzling. If it is a container grown plant and it was kept watered it is very surprising that it is wilting. The location of the tree should not make a big difference in its health. Were the leaves blown about on the way home? If so, they could have dried out and you are seeing the damage now. 
https://extension.umn.edu/news/best-practices-planting-trees-and-shrubs#:~:text=Dig%20a%20wide%20hole.&text=Give%20them%20plenty%20of%20room,in%20around%20the%20root%20ball
If the roots are encircling they need to be managed before it’s planted. Please check out the reference sheet before planting.
https://www.rainbowtreecare.com/tree-planting-basics/


Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied June 27, 2024, 8:10 PM EDT

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