Japanese Cedar Tree - Need Advice

[groverson]

Hello,

I need some advice with a 15ft. Japanese Cedar Tree that was planted in our backyard on 8/24/23. I have noticed some browning on the lower-inner portion of the tree. The upper part still looks good with green buds at the tips. I'm not sure if this is a normal shock issue or should I be doing something to help its growth. It's been watered a lot in the beginning due to the very hot weather in Tennessee. Here are some pics from the first planting until today. Appreciate any help you can provide....Thanks!

 

Also, Should I be trimming off the brown portions of the tree?

 

First Planting on 8/24

 

Browning on Lower Half as of Today

Edited October 5, 2023 by groverson
Addition

[richyrich]

It looks in reasonable condition. In UK we try to avoid planting trees in Summer - especially big ones like this. You could trim the brown bits off to tidy it up. Main thing is that you said it had green buds- so it will probably be ok👍

[openspaceman]

17 minutes ago, richyrich said:

It looks in reasonable condition. In UK we try to avoid planting trees in Summer - especially big ones like this. You could trim the brown bits off to tidy it up. Main thing is that you said it had green buds- so it will probably be ok👍

 

 

I am amazed it has managed so well but I wouldn't cut anything off until it is established. I hope @groverson keeps us informed next spring.

[groverson]

17 minutes ago, openspaceman said:

 

 

I am amazed it has managed so well but I wouldn't cut anything off until it is established. I hope @groverson keeps us informed next spring.

Curious, How come you're amazed?

[openspaceman]

I found transplanting root balled conifer gave poor results with checked growth and dieback the following season. We did have some success with transplanting pine on a site where the movement was a few hundred yards with a vermeer tree spade, this was always in the dormant period as perceived wisdom is not to attempt it in summer. We did move some oak and poplar in leaf but sprayed the foliage with a formulation of PVA to reduce transpiration.

 

Is @Ruskins Trees able to comment as techniques must have moved on since the 80s.

[groverson]

Thanks for info....Since this newly planted Japanese cedar is in the fall and and heading into the winter. What kind of watering frequenting should I be doing. As of now, I have been watering almost everyday since 8/24...Thanks!

[Stere]

Dunno hard  for UK people to know what the climate/weather/rainfall is atm in USA TN & your soil type.

 

So it maybe needs zero watering anymore or plenty.

 

Here atm in  UK its really wet atm many young  trees are probably suffering for waterlogging on compacted clay soils.

 

 

Best way is just look at the soil dig a a little hole then pick some up its fairly easily to tell if its dry or wet enough.

 

This kind of thing:

 

Simple Ways of Checking for Soil Moisture

ECOGARDENER.COM

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Checking soil moisture is essential to plant growth. Here are different ways to keep your soil moist and why it’s important