I Have A Photinia Red Robin Tree.How Can I Help It Survive As I Have Very Wet Clay Soil ?

Question

I planted this last September. As we had lots of rain over winter it has been sat in puddles of water. Most of the leaves have fallen and the ones which are left are brown. The new growth that had started is now dead.. I have added manure to the soil. Should I prune back to encourage new growth? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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Answer 1

Adding high nutrient fertilizer during stress can make the problem worse. The treatment for the situation is going to be very stressful, as well.

The soil will need to be amended to make it hold less water. If the soil remains the same, and retains water, then treatment will fail.

These articles will help you to amend the soil:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm

Once the soil has been corrected, the small tree can be replanted and treatment for fungal and bacterial infections can begin.

These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/homemade-fungicide.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/applying-bactericide-to-plants.htm

This article will help with the care of the shrub once replanted (This may be with a fresh shrub, in the case that this one does not survive.):

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/growing-red-tip-photinia.htm