Expert: kathy crowley Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: ornamental weeping mulberry tree
Question We just planted and watered well a healthy ornamental weeping mulberry tree Tuesday, July 1. He is at the south/east corner of our house. He is in the sun most of the day but does have some shade of a huge 20 foot maple probably no more than 2 hours a day. On Thursday we went out to check on him and water again and the leaves had started to curl and few of the leaves had already had developed black spots. The lady that planted our tree told us to water it from above in a light spraying motion for 20 seconds each time two times each watering. After each watering we checked the mulch and the earth underneath to make sure it was wet, and we were satisfied with the watering. Today is Friday, July 4 and many more leaves have fallen from the tree and more leaves are curled up and brittle and most of the west side of the tree now has black spots. The earth under the mulch is not soaking wet but damp. I did not water today, because the earth is still damp beneath the mulch. What do you think is going on with my tree? I live in Kentucky and we have had an unusually cool week. It has been in the low 80's for the week and in the low 70's in the evenings. Any help will be appreciated.
Answer Hi Donna...Sounds like not enough water. Above? Meaning spraying the leaves? Spraying leaves can cause bugs or fungus. Watering from the bottom of the tree. There should be a well around your tree at the drip line. Fill it with water and it should be about 3 inches. In Florida we water three times a week for one month, no fertilizer, as we want the roots to grow not the tree. The plant should never be planted any deeper than it is in the pot. Yellow leaves mean not enough water or bugs. You would need a insecticidal spray if it is bugs. Neem Oil is excellent as it is safe and organic.
