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| This is a pretty new tree and far as being planted in my yard. I planted it this past spring. I also amended the soil and planted the tree a little bit deeper than I would have liked to because the tree was so large/heavy and I couldn't handle it very well. The tree looks very well, however, a lot of the smaller leaves are turning yellow and when I touch them, they easily fall off of the tree. Is this bad? Could it be that it is a new tree and it's concentrating all it's energy on the roots rather than the upper portion? I have been watering it very frequently, almost daily in this extreme heat.
The birds appear to love it, they're always playing in the tree, jumping up and down on the branches or just sitting there perching. The berries are growing quite nicely but I'm concerned that something is wrong, can anyone advise me on what may be happening? I paid a lot for this tree, I hate to loose it. Also, when would be a good time to start fertilizing this tree, in the spring and if so, what type of fertilizer should I use? Linda |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Sat, Jul 14, 12 at 13:36
| when would be a good time to start fertilizing this tree ==>> right after your first soil test.. indicates that something is lacking in your soil ... if its in the lawn.. and the lawn gets fert.. anywhere within 10 feet of the tree .. it will get all it needs .. it is a tree.. it does not need to be fed ... as to the leaves.. drought.. heat.. and the fact that it is a crab .. all 12 of mine.. are starting to look ratty.. this time of year.. secondarily .... i call it fireblight ... there is another name.. hot humid nights .. i personally feel it is poisoning mother earth.. to waste chemicals on spraying crabs ... it just isnt worth it ... besides it is more of a prevention thing.. rather than a cure thing.. basically.. its time to look at other things in the yard.. until mid winter.. when the apples themselves will be something to look at.. and then in spring.. as they ferment.. soften. and the larger birds eat them .... drought is also an option this year ... insure proper DEEP watering ... and that is about all i can say.. w/o a picture of your tree ... ken |
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| Amending of planting hole backfill is an obsolete practice (being seen to not be helpful by the 1960s) that tends to cause problems with how water enters and exits the amended planting hole. Your tree may have a watering issue. If there are dark spots or blotches on the leaves that have yellowed and are dropping, your tree may have apple scab. When you select and plant a crab you have to be sure to get one that is disease-resistant in your region - if you are not to see disease problems occurring with it. |
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| Don't water the tree every day. Twice a week would be better. The tree is in stress don't fertilize it that could put the tree in more stress. |
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| Yes, it may be too wet. Dig around in the hole to find out. If the original soil is heavy and you amended the backfill, water may be collecting in the bottom of the hole. Same as with a sump. |
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| Ken, as usual, thank you for your replies, I feel a little better now knowing that this isn't unusual for crab apples this time of year, not to mention my area has been bogged down in extreme heat these past couple of weeks, with no signs of it stopping. bboy, the leaves are turning a golden color, not really yellow, and some of them have little green spots/marks on them but the marks are very minute. The berries look pretty healthy and the rest of the leaves, the ones that are green, appear to be fine. I just thought it was a little soon for the tree's leaves to be turning and dropping leaves. I also totally regret amending the soil, I have learned my lesson here. tmore, I will cut back on the watering, I have been watering the tree a lot these past couple of weeks, almost daily. Linda |
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