What is wrong with this Russian Olive tree?
I planted this Russia olive tree in my front yard in Sacramento, California. The leaves on the top seem okay, but the ones on the lower branches become hard and yellow.
Any ideas what us wrong with it and how to make it better?
It's about three feet tall.....
Posted
by: Charlie
(1 point)
Posted: August 3, 2013
Answers
Several possible problems....
It appears to be planted too deep. The root flare ( where the trunk widens into the root system) should be at ground level.
Such a small sapling needs to NOT compete with grasses in it's critical root zone. I'd remove the turf around the base of the sapling (at least 3' diameter) and replace it with a natural mulch.
The grass itself appears to have no weeds. This leads me to think that some weed killer herbicides are being used on the lawn. Those weed killers also affect trees, especially small ones.
And finally....that size tree likely came from a pot or small bucket. If the root system was circling around the outside of it's container, it's possible that the roots are now growing in a circular pattern, and not spreading out into the lawn. In order to prevent this, avoid potted trees which have been potted too long, or entirely shave off the outside layer of circling roots before planting. This will cause additional transplant shock, but will allow the root system to develop in a beneficial manner.
Hope this was helpful, and sorry for the difficulties with your olive tree.
It appears to be planted too deep. The root flare ( where the trunk widens into the root system) should be at ground level.
Such a small sapling needs to NOT compete with grasses in it's critical root zone. I'd remove the turf around the base of the sapling (at least 3' diameter) and replace it with a natural mulch.
The grass itself appears to have no weeds. This leads me to think that some weed killer herbicides are being used on the lawn. Those weed killers also affect trees, especially small ones.
And finally....that size tree likely came from a pot or small bucket. If the root system was circling around the outside of it's container, it's possible that the roots are now growing in a circular pattern, and not spreading out into the lawn. In order to prevent this, avoid potted trees which have been potted too long, or entirely shave off the outside layer of circling roots before planting. This will cause additional transplant shock, but will allow the root system to develop in a beneficial manner.
Hope this was helpful, and sorry for the difficulties with your olive tree.
Posted
by: Dean Hudson
(7 points)
Posted: August 5, 2013
Charles Edward Johnson commented,
You also need to prune the branches to about 1/2 foot from the top over 10 years ago.
You also need to prune the branches to about 1/2 foot from the top over 10 years ago.
Dean Hudson commented,
Why prune any branches? Unless they are dead and brittle, of course. Pruning live limbs from a struggling sapling is in no way beneficial, and will only cause the tiny tree to expend additional resources to replace it's photosynthetic capacity, instead of sending those resources to increase vitality overall. Sorry, do not agree, at least not without a very good explanation. over 10 years ago.
Why prune any branches? Unless they are dead and brittle, of course. Pruning live limbs from a struggling sapling is in no way beneficial, and will only cause the tiny tree to expend additional resources to replace it's photosynthetic capacity, instead of sending those resources to increase vitality overall. Sorry, do not agree, at least not without a very good explanation. over 10 years ago.
You need to log in if you'd like to add an answer or comment.
0 Comments