Hemlocks with water stress

baumeister · Sep 9, 2016

These hemlocks were planted in the spring of 2015. The soil analysis from the rootball vs native soil showed a pH of 6.0 for the surrounding soil (sandy) and 6.6 for the rootball (see attached soil test results - sample 1 is native soil and sample 2 is rootball) . Irrigation has been installed but the trees still seem to be suffering from extreme water stress. Am I missing something? Included are pictures and soil samples, I know it is along way from seeing the real thing but I am just a bit stumped. The only thing I see is water stress. Mites have been ruled out by myself and a second person inspecting separately.

mrtree · Sep 9, 2016

Yes it looks like water stress resulting from???? Clearly watering trees is not as easy as applying water. Water must get into the root ball and the ball/soil interface and wet the soil. This needs to be tested for, not just put the hose on.

There is likely the added complication of existing trees out competing the new hemlock roots for water.

Check out the mulch, is it too thick? IS the applied water penetrating the mulch and the soil or is too little water being applied?

IS the water running off the root ball and not wetting it?

Don't know about mites but I see one spot that looks to be a scale insect.

JD3000 · Sep 10, 2016

How bout textural and structural differences between the ball and site soil?
Def check the mulch/OM and see if its got that hydrophobic fungal crap in it or if its too thick as previously mentioned

guymayor · Sep 10, 2016

Yes those are "interface issues." Gotta dig and feel. Too much water can create the same symptoms as too little does..

JD3000 · Sep 10, 2016

Yeah, we get that bathtub effect here in heavy then glazed clay.

Irrigation installed...drip system on the rootball or sprinkler heads? Gotta slow soak that rootball and show the HO how to do it during summer. Start the how-to conversation with "So you grab a cold beverage or two..."