crab in distress

[Jessf]

unsure why this crab's leaves are turning brown. It did fine last year in the nursery container. I transplanted it this year, around mid May. it hasn't grown much since and the leaves have begun turning brown and drying up. Is this a sign of root rot? I'm unfamiliar with crab.

any thoughts?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Maybe it dried out too much? Crabapples often shed leaves early...even mid summer if it's dry. Are other crabs in the neighborhood dropping leaves too?

 

[Jessf]

didn't think to look at other crabs but I will now. It may have dried out. We're having a pretty long dry spell for southern ontario. I noticed yesterday that the soil was shedding water, looked wet but about 1cm down was dry as a bone. It's been a slow progression downward to this point.

the leaves are drying up and turning crispy before even falling off.

Assuming it is dried out, would plenty of water be the cure or is that too dangerous for a weak tree?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Definitely don't let it dry out. Give it a good soaking, and watch the moisture level. Overwatering is rarely a problem in the ground if percolation is halfway decent. It might get anther flush of growth, or it might be an early dormancy.

 

[edprocoat]

I have noticed here in Ohio that when we get drought type weather the ground will dry up and not accept the water with a regular watering, you actually have to soak it for a while to get any moisture deeper than an inch or so. Its like the soil wants to repel the water when it gets too dry, maybe thats what you are experiencing with your tree.

ed

 

[JudyB]

I have noticed here in Ohio that when we get drought type weather the ground will dry up and not accept the water with a regular watering, you actually have to soak it for a while to get any moisture deeper than an inch or so. Its like the soil wants to repel the water when it gets too dry, maybe thats what you are experiencing with your tree.

ed

What you have to do is water it VERY SLOWLY to get the water down into the soil. Think dripping, not watering. I use a milk jug with a small hole poked in the bottom, filled with water. It just drips out and goes where it needs to go instead of running off.

 

[Poink88]

Its like the soil wants to repel the water when it gets too dry, maybe thats what you are experiencing with your tree.

The soil becomes "water repellant" once it totally dried due to all the air pockets that replaced the moisture. It takes time for water to get re-introduced throughout again.

Do as Judy suggested and while you are at it, mulch the tree for now. Crabs are thirsty trees and love water.

 

[Jessf]

well we just have a huge, but short, rain.
I'll keep my eyes on it as best I can. I don't get to my grow field that often.

thanks guys