Expert: Jim Hyland - 4/28/2006

Question
Dear Jim,
I'm located in Southern New Jersey and have a short needle pine (can't remember what kind) that was planted about five years ago and is now about 10 feet tall.  This winter it was uprooted by some strong winds and rain but only tipped uphill about 45 degrees or so.  We stood it back up and tamped the dirt around it within the week (the weather was relatively mild for a Northeastern winter)and hoped for the best but this month, it seems to be turning brown.  Can I save it?  THanks in advance for your help.

Answer
The first couple of months are the critical ones the roots were damaged so if you hit a dry spell make sure it is watered. IF it gets by for these first months, you should not have any problem saving this tree. Since it suffered root damage this summer when it get dry in your area make sure the tree get watered.