Little tree help

[Barndog56]

Bought this potted semi-dwarf Wolf River about a month ago. Store I bought it from was keeping it outside in full sun so I planted right away. Pruned back all the branches about a foot at that time, but probably should have cut off 2 or 3 feet. It got off to a great start, kicking out new growth. Than we went 9 days without rain and I was late to start giving it more water.

The new growth it sent out still looks pretty good.


But the leaves that were on it at purchasing time are still looking pretty rough.


If I make sure not to drop the ball on watering it again will that be enough to save it all? Will pulling off a bunch of the curled leaves help it out? Will that hurt it in the long run?

Here's the whole tree.

 

[Neahawg]

I would water several times a week and you need to be a slow soaking watering. I think if you keep it watered it will pull through.

 

[Turkey Creek]

I understand what you are saying about "watering several times a week", but too much water will kill a tree in no time as well. As the guy who plants the tree you need to have some idea of your soil type and how long it takes for it to dry out.

Hard to say for sure on your tree, most potted trees are pretty neglected by this time of year at the big box stores. IMO I would have pruned it back more, given it some temporary shade and made sure the soil stayed damp.

 

[Sconnie]

Get yourself a soil moisture meter like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-...rd_wg=GtwDS&psc=1&refRID=1BRGC8WFWDR04E1JY6D5

It's not perfect but gives me an idea of the moisture for ground and container planted trees.

 

[Neahawg]

Yeah it would be good to know your soil type first. We live in a hot climate (90s here now) with very sandy soil. For us you can't over water trees even if we watered every day.

 

[Barndog56]

I've got about 6 inches of dirt with sand underneath. It can dry out in just a couple of days this time of year. I know I put the tree in this situation by not watching it close enough. My older trees were doing fine and didn't keep a close eye on this year's plantings. The other ones are all good again, just this one is taking its time to improve.

I've got a 5 gallon bucket with a small hole drilled at the bottom. I'll check the tree every other day and use that bucket when needed.

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

 

[Bowsnbucks]

I've done that 5 gal. bucket with a tiny hole drilled in the bottom trick. It works. I usually drill ( 2 ) 1/16" holes and fill with water. That's AFTER I water the tree thoroughly before placing the bucket.

 

[H20fwler]

If you water good a couple times a week in this heat you won't over water. I agree I would have pruned it back even more, I wouldn't worry about pulling curled leaves.
It's a good looking tree, I think you will be pleased with it.

I had a similar situation with an ugly Fuji apple last year I bought late from TSC. I couldn't get it in the ground right away kept it in shade and kind of watered...it got looking more dead than alive the wife almost had me talked into taking it back. I ended up planting it anyway and this year it looks fantastic and is thriving...you would never know how tough it looked last year.

 

[Barndog56]

Lots of well-timed rains since then, and some good soakings when needed, seem to have done the trick. Lots of new leaves, and looks like fruiting spurs too.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Apple Junkie]

It looks like your ailing tree has bounced back nicely, glad to hear that. I had not heard of the 5 gallon bucket trick, but I think that is a great idea, so some good came from your dry spell!