Q.Transplanting Shock
My Magnolia tree of about 15-20 feet was recently transplanted by a tree specialist. It was moved about 4 feet from the previous location last November. Two weeks later a storm tilted the tree about 15 degrees. I had to straighten it up using a rope tied to an adjacent pole stake about two feet away. I repacked the base with soil. Now the leaves are brown. I watered with a gallon water mixed with Vit B1 solution. Is my tree dying or dead? What else can I do?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It sounds like it may be dying. The roots were probably damaged when it tilted. This means that it may not have enough roots to support itself. You can help it recover by increasing watering. Water every day for 2-3 weeks, then water every few days for a few months until the roots have recovered.
It is an awfully large tree to be moving. Definite shock. Are you sure this was a tree specialist or just a guy who thought he was with a tree spade? I hope your tree survives. The tree should have been staked in the first place by the specialist. Was the hole well prepared before transplanting worked up soil, fertilizer, water? Did he give you any instructions for care after planting? Sorry, I have seen this too much in my area. Get him back to help-does he guarantee his work?
I have had a great deal of success in bringing shrubs and rosebushes back by watering them with water treated with a product called Super Thrive. Some say it is B1 but there must be something else in it too as I have used just the B1 treatments and did not get the same results at all. Watering is good to keep moisture readily available to the root system as it gets re-established. However, you do not want to overwater either as this can in fact drown the tree. Too much water also tends to hinder oxygen movement into and through the soils. Keep things moist but not muddy or pastey.
