Why is my yellowwood browning? (Cladrastis kentukea)

I sent a photo to askagardener@pennhort.org of my 4 year-planted yellowwood street tree. It's apparently browning early and I am asking on behalf of other fishtown residents who are sharing similar concerns. If you've an answer to our concern I will share it with them.

Thanks
- Chris

Answer

Chris, sorry to hear about your yellowwood tree.  They are very special!  It certainly sounds like either underwatering or over watering.  Given this summer it more than likely is underwatering.  Part of the problem this year is that the roots, even if properly watered, have difficulty keeping up with the transpiration of the leaves, hence the browning edges. Can you dig down 6-8 inches at the edge of the root ball to see what the soil conditions are, before you water it next?  The tree should be watered deeply once a week so the roots want to grow downward, and not stay toward the surface. The upper 2-3 inches of the soil should be allowed to dry out before watering.  Hopefully the return of rain and cooler weather will reduce the stress on the plants.    

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  • Last Updated Jan 08, 2019
  • Views 25
  • Answered By Aska Gardener

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