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Whyyyyyyyyyyy!? :'(

matawAJ8p1nmatawAJ8p1n Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi, I'm new here and pretty new to gardening coming from flats in London... so forgive my general gardening ignorance! 

Would someone know why this tree would suddenly decide to die? It was fine last year, the others are all fine, just this one... It started to yellow at the beginning of the year and now I'm pretty sure that's the end of it... Has it outgrown the space, the other one in the same space is doing fine...

Help appreciated,

Mat.  



Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    edited May 2021
    Most likely thirst.

    It's in a small, raised bed so already easily dried out at the roots.  Sounds to me like it was already stressed by last year's long, hot summer.

    We've had an unseasonably dry, cold and windy April with frosts and all sorts just when plants are trying to respond to changes in daylight and put out new growth.  If you didn't water it thru that period it's probably drizabone.

    I suggest you give the other plants in those raised beds a few bucketsful of water, poured slowly so it soaks in, just in case they too are dry.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • matawAJ8p1nmatawAJ8p1n Posts: 4
    Obelixx said:
    Most likely thirst.

    It's in a small, raised bed so already easily dried out at the roots.  We've had an unseasonably dry, cold and windy April with frosts and all sorts just when plants are trying to respond to changes in daylight and put out new growth.  If you didn't water it thru that period it's probably drizabone.

    Thanks for your reply!

    Is there a chance of rescue? or should I dig it out?

    M.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Conifers like that do not regenerate so it will have to come out.  I've just edited my post to suggest you water the other plants in those beds in case they too are dry.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • matawAJ8p1nmatawAJ8p1n Posts: 4
    Obelixx said:
    Conifers like that do not regenerate so it will have to come out.  I've just edited my post to suggest you water the other plants in those beds in case they too are dry.
    Thanks, I though so! OK, well... thats one lesson learned....

    Help appreciated!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Give the whole bed a good soaking before you try and dig it out so that you minimise damage to the other plants and you'll also find the conifer comes out more easily. 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    Tricky with conifers. Too dry is a possibility or even too wet if there's poor drainage. Root rot or fungal disease maybe...even pet urine.
    Have a look at the roots and soil when you lift it out.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Do you know if the planters have bases or not? When you dig out the tree, it is worth checking. (I imagine they have no bases and the roots go straight down). There would be quite of competition for water from whatever is growing behind the hedge/wall.

    In dry weather the other tree might need extra water - there's quite a bit growing in that pot with it. The winter/spring transition time can be tricky as we assume the winter rains will continue often longer than they do, in the south, at least. 
  • matawAJ8p1nmatawAJ8p1n Posts: 4
    Fire said:
    Do you know if the planters have bases or not? When you dig out the tree, it is worth checking. (I imagine they have no bases and the roots go straight down). There would be quite of competition for water from whatever is growing behind the hedge/wall.

    In dry weather the other tree might need extra water - there's quite a bit growing in that pot with it. The winter/spring transition time can be tricky as we assume the winter rains will continue often longer than they do, in the south, at least. 

    No, I will have to look when I dig it out, we moved here 18 months ago so not sure what lies beneath!! Thanks for your help!
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    It's dead Jim! Unusual to have one in a container
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Designer Bunny Guinness uses "baseless pots" to give trees extra height - esp for an Italian style. The idea is that you get immediately extra height and the tree roots quickly get down into the earth beneath the pot.

    Your plant is right up against the fence and next to big trees, which makes it drier.
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