Ask Burton!

This week, a short answer on dealing with a drought-stressed tree.

 

Q: I planted a Shumard red oak in a community area this spring, but it’s been neglected. It’s shed most of its leaves, and the remaining leaves are partially dried. What can I put on the tree to make it leaf out as soon as possible? Should I feed it more than normal?

 

A: For now, just water. If the plant hasn’t been fed since installation, a modest application of organic fertilizer is acceptable. But water is really the key.

 

Plants suffering from summer drought stress won’t respond well to heavy fertilization.  Regular water, steady and reasonably often, is all we’d recommend right now. When September rolls around, please do feed it strongly! Our Covington’s Tree & Shrub fertilizer will do a fine job supporting the plant as it recovers.