Dying Transplanted Holly Bushes

Question

I live in Dallas, TX. I transplanted several holly bushes (planted at different location) a week ago (July 9). They are turning brown and appear to be dying. I know you suggest doing this in the spring. They were transplanted properly and have been watered daily. Any suggestions on helping these bushes? HELP!

Answer 1

I also live in the Dallas area. Plants are stressed to the max right now with all the heat and no rain. Any transplants now are going to struggle. Simply surface watering will not do do it – maybe you are doing this already, but if not, recommend you water deeply by laying a trickling hose directly at the base of each plant every other day. Leave it running for ten or fifteen minutes and then move to the next plant. You want to get those roots moving downward to establish themselves. If the plants are very small, go ten minutes every day until they start perking up (hopefully).

Answer 2

Did you prune when they were transplanted? If not, try pruning the plants by up to 1/3. Also, increase watering. This time of year, they will need significant amounts of water due to the heat so you may need to water 2 times a day. Water deeply every time you water them. Also try adding some root booster fertilizer to the soil. Many nurseries now sell this mix of fertilizer.