Trees may become stressed out adjusting to their new homes, no matter how carefully they are planted. Replanting a tree can trigger an onset of what’s known as transplant shock. This is a term that covers a multitude of problems experienced after trees are either planted or transplanted.

The symptoms of transplant shock can make it look like your newly planted tree is dying. Although they do vary quite a bit, the chances of your tree recovering from these stresses are fairly good.

Here’s how you can identify if a tree is a lost cause, or if there’s something you can do about transplant shock.

Transplant Shock Recovery

Transplant shock is tough for trees. It’s usually not anything they can’t bounce back from, as long as you catch it early and take steps immediately!

First thing’s first: you will need to know the symptoms, recovery techniques and how much time you’ll need to repair the trees.

Signs of Shock

Your trees could start dropping leaves as the first sign of transplant shock. However, transplant shock yields a range of symptoms and each can look much different depending on the tree. Symptoms of a tree experiencing shock typically include:

• Leaf scorch
• Brown leaf tips
• Premature fall color
• Stunted twig or flower growth
• Late spring budding
• Branch dieback

Even though trees in shock can look deceivingly similar to dead trees, there’s actually an easy way to tell the difference. Begin by picking a random twig on the tree and scratching off the first layer of bark with your finger or a pocket knife. Do the same on a few other twigs around the tree. If the underneath layer is bright green and moist, your tree is still alive!

Saving a “Dying” Transplanted Tree

During the transplant process, trees lose a massive amount of their root system. This is actually one of the main reasons trees struggle after being transplanted. Approximately 95% of trees will experience signs of transplant shock in these situations. To make matters worse, the roots that are left are usually incredibly dry.

Fortunately, you can do something about it.

• Rehydrate the roots with at least one inch of water every week.
• Spread about 2 to 4 inches of the mulch around your tree.
• Use a rake or shovel to evenly pull the mulch out to the furthest edges of the tree’s canopy.

If hydration doesn’t seem to be working, you’ll need to think back to when the tree was first planted. It’s incredibly important for the hole to be the right size. The planting hole needs to be 2 to 3 times the tree’s potential root spread and deep enough for the root flare (where the tree starts to widen) to sit slightly above ground.

Although it can be a stressful process, if the planting wasn’t done quite right the first time, you’ll need to take the time out to replant the tree for best results.

Recovering From Transplant Shock

Patience is the final step in a successful transplant process! Sometimes it can take two or more years for your trees to escape the symptoms of stress. In rare cases, it can even take up to 5 years for trees to fully recover, especially if the tree traveled long distances. In most cases though, it usually takes about a year or so for trees to shake off transplant shock symptoms.

For more on tree maintenance and services, from transplant shock to trimming from a respected name in the industry, visit Action Tree Care today!