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Conifers/blue spruce

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Expert: - 5/30/2010


Question

tree top
I transplanted an 8'+ blue spruce just over a week ago,I used a 42" tree spade too remove and a back hoe too plant,i dug a 4x4x4 hole and a 1' deep bt 3' ring (for surface roots)some buds are turning brown and the top piece that goes up looks burnt and no needles any more. There has been high winds and 30-40mm of rain,is the tree dying or is it in shock?the temp has been around 15-25 celsius.

Answer
It looks like shock. If it were dying the entire foliage would turn brown. When the tree spade cut the roots it cut the tap root and this is why the top died. But a tree this young will recover by one of the upper branches will become the new terminal leader. If you have not done so mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inch deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold moisture around the roots. I would water the tree with 1 inch of water per week--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentAwesome im glad someone out there responds promply and with great advice. Thank You:)


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Jim Hyland

Expertise

Registered Forester in the Southern US with 30 years experiance in managing pines. Expert in pine forest health from management to control of pests to ID of species.

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