Newly Planted Emerald Cedar Trees Began To Wilt On The Top Tips

Question

I planted 15 emerald cedars. I bought from HD and they are slim and tall in 6 feet. after planting them in 2 weeks, I found the tree tips begin to turn brown and wilt. I use triple mix one bag for each tree and use root rescue liquid 2 gallons. I also planted 15 local pyramid shaped local emerald cedar trees about 4 feet high where the root balls are much larger and much heavier. No issue with these local cedars so far. I was told that the slim tall emerald cedars are from Oregon or BC. They are the same emerald cedar type but much cheaper. My question is what is the cause for tree top tips wilting? How can I rescue the trees? My location is in Ontario. Kyle

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Answer 1

If the tree has an infection, it will mean that the undesirable microbes have killed off the beneficial type. In a healthy specimen, mycorrhizal fungi can help protect the tree. Unfortunately, if the habitat is unsuitable for the beneficial microbes then the unwanted bacteria will take over.

Most beneficial fungi cannot survive in saturated soils. This will provide an anaerobic environment. Bacteria, however, will thrive there perfectly. With this being said, a fungicide will be necessary to give you a "clean slate", if you will. Once the environment is suitable for your mycorrhizal fungi, then you can add that back in.

Beneficial bacteria can be beneficial in areas that tend to remain moist, consistently. This may be a way to help the plant deal with wet soil.

Answer 2

This looks like transplant shock, paired with an infection! Some cultivars are a little more resistant than others, unfortunately.

From here, be mindful of overwatering (Let it dry down to about an inch or 2 between waterings) and treat with a fungicide for the best recovery.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm

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

Answer 3

Thank you very much for your suggestions. at this season, there are much rains and I will water again when there is one to two inch dry up. I will add some sugar into the water. However, I am confused by using fungicide. The root rescue transplanter ms-cs I have used is a mycorrhizal fungi producer which forms a symbiosis with plant roots, naturally increasing the host plant access to soil water and nutrients. Why should I use fungicide to kill it? Some Nersery expert suggest Parkwood transplanter once a week. I already applied once. I will keep reporting the status of these 30 cedar trees.