Even if we put so much effort into carefully transplanting our trees, they can still undergo stress and shock as they relocate to their new location. This is what the experts call as the transplant shock, which typically happens once the tree has been transferred to its new home.
The most common sign of transplant shock is your tree, looking as if it’s dying. The question now is, can shocked trees still recover? How can we identify the problem and treat transplant shock in trees?
Tree Transplant Shock Recovery
While transplant shock is a challenge for most trees, they can recover if you detect the signs sooner than later. It is crucial to know the symptoms, the recovery method, and the time required to help the tree recover.
Signs of Shock in Trees
Transplant shock can vary depending on the type of tree, so it is essential to consult a certified arborist to help you identify the right shock symptoms that include the following:
- Brown leaf tips
- Leaf burn
- Premature fall color
- Stunted flower growth
- Late spring bloom
- Dieback of the branch
How to Determine whether a Tree is Dead or in Shock?
Determining whether a tree is dead or just in shock can be tricky because they can look exactly the same. But, we can tell you an easy way to help you tell the difference.
Get a twig from any part of the tree and scratch it with a knife. Do the same procedure for the rest of the twigs in other parts of the tree, and if you see the interior is moist and bright green, then good news because the tree is still living.
How to Help a Dying Transplanted Tree
The main reason trees go through stress after being transplanted is because they lose a significant amount of roots in the process. But, you can do something to save a struggling transplanted tree. You can help a tree in shock by doing the following:
- Water the roots at least an inch of every week.
- Mulch the tree’s base at least two to four inches deep, then pull the mulch some inches from the tree’s trunk. As much as possible, don’t make a mountain of mulch around the tree.
If you think watering the roots is not taking effect, think about the size of the tree. Is the tree planted with the right hole size? The tree should be planted in a hole that is 2 to 3 times the root’s spread.
Transplanting may not be an easy undertaking, but it is worth it if you think your tree doesn’t fit its first location.
How Long will it take for a Tree to Recover from Shock?
After the tree has been transplanted, the next step is to wait. Yes, you read that right. Transplanting a tree is a long and winding process. Thus it requires patience and a lot of it. Some tree species take more than a year or two to recover from the shock fully. Other trees may even take up to five years to be free from any signs of stress and shock, so be patient with your tree and give it the proper care it utterly needs.
For more information about tree transplanting and general tree care, call Derek with Tidde Tree Service Tuscaloosa, 8715 Earl Fields Cir, Northport, AL 35473, (205) 341-9885.