Help with a new tree
jjack38
Posts: 2
I wonder if anyone can help me. I have recently planted an Amalanchier Canadensis tree in my back garden. I moved into the house last year, so i don't know the garden very well yet. The tree is planted at the back of the garden - the roots and trunk of the tree are sheltered and in shade, but the top of the tree is above the fence and mostly in full sun, and exposed to wind. The tree seems to be dying - the leaves have patches of crispy dryness - some are curling and turning red. I can't see how it could need more water as the soil seems wet. The soil in the garden is generally quite heavy/clay and at the back of the garden is quite wet. The label on the tree when I bought it said it was wet tolerant....but it doesn't seem happy at all. It's actually the second tree we have bought for this space. Last October I planted a pineapple broom in the same spot, but it died over winter. I'm really worried about this one! Any advice? I put some gravel, and some fertiliser in the ground when i planted it. Thank you in advance!
Posts
Wet (as opposed to 'moist but free draining') soils are not ideal for Amelanchier, and definitely not for pineapple broom. They are plants that come to mind for a dry sunny spot really.
Putting gravel can only help a little - not much good if the ground is sodden. Planting on a mound, or ideally a raised bed will help (the water will drain away much better), especially filled with free draining topsoil. Or you could plant in a really large pot on a sunny patio, again with good free draining compost.
But it's really much better to go with the grain and use plants that really do like poorly drained soils... dogwood and willow etc.Nice list here https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=303
Thanks for the advice. The tree looks awful today! I think maybe it's too late to try it in a pot or on a mound. I might have a go though.