Young red oak strugling

[amrlima]

Hello,

 

This is my first post here in Arbtalk and I would greatly appreciate some advice about a young red oak (Quercus rubra)I planted recently.

 

This tree was planted in last November (2018) and was in a large vase when I got it. In late spring leaves started to grow, but they where very few. Other red oaks in nearby areas started to leaf out about 1 month earlier. A storm in late June broke one of the new branches and right now there is only a new branch and very small leaves that don't seem to grow bigger than what you may see in the photos. The oak measures a bit more then a meter tall.

 

Although this is the first growing season for this tree after being planted, I'm afraid it won't survive or it's sick.

 

I'm uncertain if it is worth investing one more year on it or if I should buy another tree. Note that when I got it most of the leaves had fallen off already.

 

The soil here is acidic and well drained. The climate is mild and humid (I live in the Azores, Atlantic islands). Many species of oaks do well here, including the red oak.

 

Any opinions about the tree changes to survive are very welcome.

 

 

 

 

[Paul Cleaver]

There are a number of possible reasons for your Oaks plight.

Had it been watered properly at the nursery, and has it had enough water since it was taken out of its vase and planted In the ground.

Was the vase small and the tree roots "root bound" (a mass of roots growing around in a circle)

Were the tree root subject to weevil damage or some other pest in the nursery.

Have you planted it properly - ie at the correct depth and healed it in properly so there are no air pockets in the soil.

Looking at it - I would take it back to the place you bought it from and try and get them to swap it for another one, having said you have planted it the right depth and watered it and mulched it etc

Edited July 29, 2019 by Paul Cleaver

[Stubby]

Does the Labrador pee on it ?

[amrlima]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the answers and advices! I can't tell if the oak was properly watered at the nursery, but after planted it was watered and the area in winter is very wet.

 

As for the possible root bound, it could have happened as I wasn't aware of that possible problem when planting the tree.

 

The Labrador doesn't pee on the oak :).

 

I'll try to get another tree. Should I wait till winter to do it?

 

Thanks again.

 

 

[Stubby]

For me its October . Just enough time for them to set their roots , then rest over winter then off it goes in the spring .

Edited July 30, 2019 by Stubby

[amrlima]

Thank you Stubby. I'll try again in October then.