Tulip Poplar not leafing out properly?

[nellie923]

I planted this tulip poplar about 2 years ago. Last year it was fine, but this year it is not leafing out in a normal way. The leaf growth is erratic, as you can see here. Some of the bare branches were dead and snapped off, while others are alive, even without leaves. This tree is in a sprinkler zone, so I don't think lack of water is the issue. I have read where this can be caused by the tree being buried too deep, so I have added that photo too. Is there another diagnosis for this issue and (I hope) a fix? I worry that the tree may not survive our very hot summers here in Arkansas (zone 8 and counting...) We also seem to have a regular Arctic Blast of several days of cold, between -2 and 10 above, usually in January or February. I have lost a couple of poplars due to the extremes and the stress they cause. Thanks for any advice!

 

[oneeye]

Thats because its planted too deep in the soil. You need to dig the top inch or two off the root top. Plants buried too deep in the soil can't transpire correctly.

 

[oneeye]

This may be a better picture of the correct planting method. Notice how the flare is above the soil line? If you cover up the root flair the plant can die.

 

[nellie923]

Do I understand that the remedy for this is to dig out the soil around the flare so that it is exposed? Would this make a lower spot that the surrounding yard? Is that ok? Thanks (love the illustrations. Very clear!!)

 

[oneeye]

Do I understand that the remedy for this is to dig out the soil around the flare so that it is exposed? Would this make a lower spot that the surrounding yard? Is that ok? Thanks (love the illustrations. Very clear!!)

Planting trees and other plants too deep is very common mistake people make. You can try to remove the top inch of two of the soil however if it's still too deep the only way is to very gently dig the tree up and replant.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Patience too as we are late this year.

 

[nellie923]

How can I dig up a few inches around the trunk without hitting or damaging the roots? My plan is to soak the soil thoroughly and then use a hand trowel to dig. Would that work?

 

[oneeye]

How can I dig up a few inches around the trunk without hitting or damaging the roots? My plan is to soak the soil thoroughly and then use a hand trowel to dig. Would that work?

Yes or you can wait and let a good rain soak the ground. Some of the time when a plant is buried too deep the roots will girdle on top of the root ball. Depending on how long its been planted, you may run into surface roots. Take your time and be as gentle as you can. When you finish post a photo.

 

[nellie923]

I soaked for about 30 mins (most of the water ran off to where Idid not want it) but the soil was soft enough to dig. I was very carefu not to do too much harm to the roots that were close to the surface. Perhaps that is the girdling you mentioned? My nurseryman suggested I check for root rot, since the tree has been in the ground for about 2 years, but these roots look healthy to me. I did not go very deep, about1.5-2". Is it ok to lave roots exposed? Or do I need to have it dug up and replanted? It is not difficult to bend sideways, which may indicate that the roots are not very deep yet.

 

[oneeye]

I soaked for about 30 mins (most of the water ran off to where Idid not want it) but the soil was soft enough to dig. I was very carefu not to do too much harm to the roots that were close to the surface. Perhaps that is the girdling you mentioned? My nurseryman suggested I check for root rot, since the tree has been in the ground for about 2 years, but these roots look healthy to me. I did not go very deep, about1.5-2". Is it ok to lave roots exposed? Or do I need to have it dug up and replanted? It is not difficult to bend sideways, which may indicate that the roots are not very deep yet.

Take some sharp hand pruners and remove those roots on top that are in the air, but leave the roots touching the soil. Then get some mulch and put about a inch or two where the old soil was, however don't let the mulch touch the bark of the tree trunk. Adding mulch will help hold moisture and keep the soil cool during hot days. Always dig down and feel the soil before watering and only water when the top 2 inches are dry.

 

[nellie923]

Any particulart kind of mulch?

 

[oneeye]

Any particulart kind of mulch?

You can get some inexpensive hardwood mulch. Don't get anything colored with dye in it, just plain mulch.

 

[nellie923]

I went with cypress (it was on sale), which is uncolored, and I made sure that the much was not touching the trunk. Fingers crossed. Would this lead to better leafiong this season?

 

[oneeye]

I went with cypress (it was on sale), which is uncolored, and I made sure that the much was not touching the trunk. Fingers crossed. Would this lead to better leafiong this season?

I hope so, all you can do is wait with patience. Dig down under the new mulch and feel the soil with your hands. You want to allow the soil to dry out a couple of inches on top before watering. Check a couple times a week to get to know your soil well. If you look after the soil, the soil will look after your plants.

 

[nellie923]

Thank you! I did as you suggested and checked the soil. It was not dry, so I did not water, and then it rained sporadically for the next few days. It may be my imagination but I think there are more leaves now, so perhaps this is working!