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Dead or alive?

len sharpslen sharps Posts: 11
in Talkback

Hi all.  Please do not shoot me for this but....I planed a Japanese Cherry Tree approx 3 months ago (first pic) and following a strict process of not over-watering, the tree is dying or is dead.  

before I go an pull the tree up (probably replace with a Silver Birch) can anyone tell me if this is dead or dying or if I should leave alone to see if it will re-grow?

 

Thanks friends.

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  • Lupin 1Lupin 1 Posts: 8,916

    Len it doesn't look healthy to me image

    Is your home a new build?  I ask as I wonder what sort of earth the tree has tried to put roots into. 

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,477
    Scrape the bark on a few branches with your fingernail. If it's green underneath it's definitely alive. If Brown it might be dead but give it until next year to be sure . Either way, give it a drink
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • len sharpslen sharps Posts: 11

    Hi Kef.  Yes, it is a new build.  When the tree was planted the immediate area (hole) for the tree was fully digged out and filled with new compost, peat, fresh soil however the wider surrounding area was clay/soil.  I have also just posted an additional picture with a bit more light to show it.  In your opinion, has it had its day do you think?

     

    Thanks for the response

  • len sharpslen sharps Posts: 11

    image

     

  • len sharpslen sharps Posts: 11

    B3 - the branches that still have leaves and also the main root is green underneath.  the branches that do not have any leaves are starting to yellow

     

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,477
    Well it sounds as if it's clinging on. Hopefully one of the site gurus will have some good advice
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Lupin 1Lupin 1 Posts: 8,916

    Len it does sound as though it's hanging in there. When I asked about new build it's because quite often there is rubble bricks and heaven knows what hidden under the new turf. 

    Nothing wrong with clay high in nutrients but water logs and dries out quickly, I garden on clay but add well rotted farmyard manure and home made compost to bulk it out.

    I'm not knowledgeable about trees so I hope you take advice from other posters, smart folks on this forum image

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    It looks as if it's being strangled just below the canopy by some plastic washing line or something, and tied to a fence (?) That won't be doing it any favours Len. image 

    It needs to be correctly staked - with a support low down at an angle so that it can gradually strengthen the main trunk.

    It should also really be in a spot where there's no competition for nutrients too. The grass will take water and goodness from it so, ideally, you'd clear an area of grass about 3 feet round the base and put plenty of nourishment in the ground, as KEF has said. New trees need copious amounts of water in the early months, especially coming into summer.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lupin 1Lupin 1 Posts: 8,916

    Fairy didn't see the rope thing image

    Len I told you someone would come along with good advice imageimage

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    You can see it better if you enlarge the pic KEF. I have to enlarge them all the time to see anything....image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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