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Asked by grasshopperologist on July 14, 2015

I bought a Joshua tree seedling online. It came with no soil on the roots, which were wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. About 1/3 of the leaves were brown and rolled up (vertically). What is the prognosis for survival?

Downtoearthdigs

Certified GKH Gardening Expert

Bareroots are commonly shipped in this manner.
Most garden centers will provide planting and growing directions and will guarantee the health of the bareroot tree.
If you have concerns on the health of the tree seedling, I could contact the grower.

Here are a couple of links to get you started with planting.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/yucca/joshua-tree-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/bareroot-planting.htm

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Asked by Anonymous on April 22, 2016

The Top Is Drying Out of My Joshua Tree

The top is drying out of my Joshua Tree. Why? I planted a seed in 1992 and moved it outside in 1998 after it had gotten about 2 feet. It has thrived, getting 13 foot tall. It never put out any arms, etc. I live in Idaho’s Treasure Valley where the temperatures are below zero in winter at times. Until this, it has been the talk of the valley. Any ideas what this is all about and how to cure it?

Downtoearthdigs

Certified GKH Gardening Expert

I would say it could be a combination of harsh winter and a watering issue (I suspect drought). It look as though Idaho is experiencing a drought - has it been very prolonged? In addition, the joshua trees as a whole are actually succumbing to climate change:
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2014/05/31/global-warming-joshua-tree-national-park/9729285/

If you are in fact experiencing drought in your region, I would water your joshua tree and observe it for improvement.

You may also want to inspect your tree for damage by the agave snout weevil (the only serious pest of joshua trees):
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/agave-snout-weevil-control.htm

For more information on joshua trees, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/yucca/joshua-tree-information.htm

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Asked by cpesti64 on June 22, 2017

Brown Leaves on Top of My Young Joshua Tree

The top of my four foot Joshua tree that is planted outdoors is turning brownish-yellow. It is planted in the desert, where I reside. There are several arms, but only one seems to be affected. We are going through a heat wave presently. I am watering twice a week, 4 minutes at a time. I cannot tell you how many gallons per minute is being given, but the soil is damp. There hasn\’t been any reside water sitting in the \”tree well.\” Should I add more days of watering?

ellie13232

Joshua trees are very drought tolerant. If the soil is remaining moist too long you are probably overwatering. They need very well draining sandy soil. If you think about the Joshua trees in wild spaces they rely only on the rain they receive each year. This year we have had an excessive amount of rain in San Diego. I don't know if it is the same where you are. I would check the tip that is turning brownish yellow to see if it appears soft and rotting. If it is rotting you may want to remove the limb so the tissue rot doesn't spread to other areas of the plant. Cut well below the damage into healthy tissue. I don't know if it will grow a new tip. As with any pruning, clean your pruners/saw in a solution of bleach and water to remove any chance of spreading disease on your next cut/prune.

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Asked by jventon1 on October 6, 2017

Joshua Tree

My Joshua tree is indoors in earth but is now repotting into a bigger pot.
Can it go outdoors or do I need to keep it indoors.
I live in Essex England.

BushDoctor

Certified GKH Gardening Expert

It can survive anything down to -23 celcius so as long as you can keep if from getting that cold then, yes, it could survive. Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/yucca/joshua-tree-information.htm

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