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Unhealthy hawthorn

Hi there,

I wonder if anyone can help with my young hawthorn hedge. I planted it using bare root plants about 80cm tall nearly 2 years ago. They are planted around my front garden which is quite heavy clay. They seem to have done OK- but they just look quite unhealthy to me. The leaves are quite yellow, and rate of growth hasn't been good. What is odd is that the hedging plants nearest the house are doing well- they have grown well and have healthy looking green leaves. I'm not sure why they are so much better- I don't think I've treated this soil any differently, other than hydrangea colourant.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

Tom

Posts

  • Whoops, I meant hornbeam!!

  • toxicdriptoxicdrip Posts: 13

    Is it more sheltered near your house? Is it warmer near your house? Hornbeams like warmth and shelter. Is the ground nearer the house wetter than where the yellowing plants are or could it be so wet that a hard clay base has formed and the water has no where to go?

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    I agree with toxic drip. I have well established hornbeams. The ones in dryer soil in the teeth of the prevailing wind are always yellower and most years, not this wet one, brown edged as well.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • toxicdriptoxicdrip Posts: 13

    The other thing about hornbeams is that although they'll cope with clay, they won't sit in water and can rot. This could be also applicable.

  • Thanks both for the advice. I think it could be that they are in drier soil- although it's obviously been a damp summer so far, the soil by the house is damper and is shadier too. I have a soaker hose in place but have not used it much this summer because of the weather, maybe some more regular watering is in order..

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