Q.My Young Linden Sapling\\\’s Leader Branches Keep Dying Back. Is This An Insect, Fungus, Or What Is Causing This? If It Will R
emai n stunted as a shrub, that’s OK, I’ll still plant it out, but I want to know what it is and if it will be OK. Thanks! I harvested this sapling as a tiny little sprout and am hoping to be able to plant it out on my friend’s property to increase biodiversity.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I can't quite make out what it is from the photo, but it does appear to be a fungal infection.
Likely a fungicide will take care of the issue, but you may need to alter watering habits, as well.
Make sure that the container has enough drainage holes to allow all extra water out. Also, make sure that the soil is a potting mix, instead of native soil. The native soil will be too heavy for a container.
Water this, only, when the soil is completely dry down to about 2 inches. Allowing the top layer of soil to dry, completely, will stave off infections that are common in that portion of the soil.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
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/ornamental/trees/linden/linden-tree-information.htm
