Bargain Oak - At a loss

[Potawatomi13]

If the branch stem is still green latent buds likely are OK. If the trunk stays alive it wants to live so should grow in the Spring. This is close enough to Fall it could assume an early dormancy but did not have a chance to put leaves energy into storage in the roots so expect it to need some extra boost once it wakes up in the spring. Being in the bay area is fairly mild climate and I would not protect the tree except for maybe putting the pot into a bigger container of soil for the roots temp stability. Let it grow OUTDOORS when it is ready to grow on its own without artificial protection.

 

[Potawatomi13]

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An update on the Oak I didn't plan to make. I was away on vacation (for two weeks) and got a friend to water my plants (he checked in daily) - the usual story. However: He did absolutely fine and all trees are thriving except for the oak. Every leaf is crisp at this point - the scratch test however showed that the tree is definitely alive.

Did the oak enter an early fall senescence or is it something else entirely?

I'm bound to believe I'll just sit this one out, repot next spring and hope for the best. I thought I'd post a quick reply asking if there's anything else I can/should do to ensure the oak even gets to next spring somewhat unharmed.

Thanks in advance!

One more comment. Your tree is going to need all of the incomplete energy store it has left after all the leaves died to restart this Spring. I strongly suggest not to repot or disturb the roots this Spring. Just watch your watering if the soil is too water retentive. Also if you didn't already do it clip off all the dead leaves so any new sprouts have a clear growing field for Sun and air. Please show us a pic or two when it grows again.

 

[Bonsaiformeatheads]

I

One more comment. Your tree is going to need all of the incomplete energy store it has left after all the leaves died to restart this Spring. I strongly suggest not to repot or disturb the roots this Spring. Just watch your watering if the soil is too water retentive. Also if you didn't already do it clip off all the dead leaves so any new sprouts have a clear growing field for Sun and air. Please show us a pic or two when it grows again.

I really appreciate you checking in! I‘m afraid when tempa were in the negative digits I took the tree out of the pot to See the roots I discovered that is was rooted through but I did not see any healthy growing tips. I‘m still crossing my Fingers hoping it wakes up in spring but I highly doubt it.

We‘ve had a somewhat cold Winter for our Standards (-8°C for multiple days) and it‘s still quite cold. Nothing is waking up yet so there‘s still a Chance!