shumard red oak trees

Question

We bought our home in 2010 (south Texas). The backyard is not very spacious, but it is a good size lengthwise. When we moved in, there were two, four-feet tall baby Shumard red oak trees, which were planted prior to us moving in. They have not seemed to grow in height but have become more full. Also, there is some Asian jasmine planted around both trees, and we wanted to see if the trees and shrubs would grow faster and better, so we planted some Miracle Gro fertilizer stakes and the leaves have become light brown. We have broken some of the branches and they appear to still have green. My question is, should they be pulled up or left alone and continue to water them?

Answer 1

I would pull the fertilizer spikes up, if you can. It does sound like the spikes may be burning the roots, which happens sometimes. You should water the trees and plants heavily for the next few weeks to wash the excess fertilizer out of the soil. They should recover once this is done.