You love your garden and seeing things burst into life, which is why newly planted tree leaves wilting is so disconcerting. Is your newest addition dying, or can you save it? 

According to Rockoff Tree Solutions, the top arborist in Boerne, TX, it’s a common problem and usually simple to solve. In this post, they explain more. 

Not Enough Water

A lot of people ask us, “Will fertilizing trees help them grow faster?” What they should worry about is how much water your new plant needs for good root establishment. Most newly planted trees need at least an inch a week, spread out over a watering schedule of every couple of days. You don’t want the soil to dry out completely in between watering. 

You should check the soil moisture before topping it up. If you can insert a screwdriver all the way in, the earth should be a little damp. In hot weather, you might need more water. You can protect the moisture in the soil with good mulching practices. 

You should water the entire area from just past the trunk to the outer edge of the canopy. This encourages the roots to spread, giving your tree a great start. 

Bad Soil Drainage

Having too much water is as bad as having too little. And, as confusing as it is, it can cause the same newly planted tree leaves to wilt. The best way to deal with drainage issues is by turning over the soil with a shovel or fork before you dig the hole. 

If there’s a lot of clay, you’ll need to dig deeper and lay in some gravel, compost, and good, loamy soil. 

Transplant Shock   

Think about it this way. You’re sleeping soundly one night, and when you wake up, someone’s moved you to a new home in a new city. In nature, a tree won’t get up and move once the sapling grows. So, moving it from the nursery to your home and the ground is stressful. You can reduce the stress by providing great soil, enough space, and enough water. 

Pests and Diseases   

A newly planted tree is under a lot of stress, which makes it vulnerable to pests and diseases. When this issue causes newly planted trees’ leaves to wilt, you’ll also see other signs. These might include:

  • Leaf discoloration and scars
  • Signs of borers and insects
  • Unusual growths
  • Softening or discoloration of the bark

If you suspect your tree is infested, you should call an arborist. If you don’t, the infection or infestation could spread. 

Give Your Trees a Great Start

You can deal with newly planted tree leaves wilting proactively by taking the following steps: 

  • Research the right type of tree for your yard. If you’re unsure, you can speak to an arborist for the right advice. 
  • Plant your tree at the right time of year for the species. 
  • Look into the conditions your tree needs and choose the perfect spot. 
  • Don’t stint when it comes to digging the hole. It’s better to dig deeper and add loamy soil and compost than to leave your tree struggling for space. 
  • Research the species and see how much water and fertilizer it needs. 
  • Monitor for pests and diseases. 
  • Don’t prune for the first year or two unless there’s damage. 
  • Watch carefully for pests and diseases. 

It’s better to stick to trees native to Texas for the best results as they’re naturally hardier in droughts and high temperatures. Exotic trees are more likely to have issues. 

Contact Us for the Right Advice

If your newly planted tree leaves are wilting, the arborists at Rockoff Tree Solutions will get to the bottom of the issue. Contact us by calling 830-955-0304 or reaching out online.