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Sorbus leaf not opening fully

ybgdmsckfpKG9vwFZ6ybgdmsckfpKG9vwFZ6 Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi, 
I planted Sorbus trees about 18 months ago. One has flourished with full open leaves and another has same amount leaves but they have not opened fully to the same extent.

They have been treated the same with growmore earlier in the season and manure.

I’ve recently been told that poor growth maybe air not getting to roots so I’ve aerated the area around the tree using pitch fork and carefully wiggling it a little when fully in the ground. But no real change.


any ideas?

rgds,
jeremy 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I can't see anything wrong. Where are the leaves you're worried about?
    It's not a great idea to stick a fork in though as you're more likely to do damage to the fine roots. If they've been thriving for 18 months, it's unlikely there's any problem with the root system. Are they in the ground though, or is that a container? If it's the latter, that won't be sufficient long term.
    For most people, the biggest problem with tree establishment in the last year or two has been keeping them hydrated well enough. Trees need very little help if the soil is well prepped before planting, and it's just a case of water and mulch from then on until they're happy, then regular mulching with any organic matter  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Sorbus Aria become big trees they may already be too big for the pots. They need to be in the ground in my opinon.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I couldn't decide if it was a container @GardenerSuze or just an edging. Difficult to tell from the pix.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Fairygirl Just wondering the same. I would also be concerned about damaging the roots.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    edited June 2023
    Maybe not getting enough water. I wouldn't worry, as it looks healthy enough. I've got 4 Sorbus, and 2 have not produced any flowers this year, athough they have healthy leaves. Like yours, they are 18 months/2 years old, and i'm just assuming they are settling in. I give them a full can of water to the roots at least once a week unless there has been heavy, steady rain.
    Sunny Dundee
  • ybgdmsckfpKG9vwFZ6ybgdmsckfpKG9vwFZ6 Posts: 2
    Thanks guys, they’re in the ground now for about 18 months. At first I had them completely covered with the ground cover and stones but as this one didn’t fully thrive last year like the other one, I pushed back the stones and opened up the area around the tree in order to get plenty of manure around the base. I just think it’s struggling a bit. It’s like it started to bloom but then stopped at some point. The other one I have has all its leaves fully opened and looks really healthy. So was just wondering what else could be affecting this particular one. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    It might just be the ground it is in or perhaps the roots weren't as established as the others. Flowers will come as they mature. Watering is critical at least until end of October. Water deeply and avoid run off.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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