Is there a problem with my Monterrey Oak tree - Ask Extension
We planted our Monterrey Oak tree about 4 weeks ago. Not sure what might be happening to it or of this is normal. The reddish color is what I am conce...
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Is there a problem with my Monterrey Oak tree #639204
Asked May 21, 2020, 9:57 PM EDT
We planted our Monterrey Oak tree about 4 weeks ago. Not sure what might be happening to it or of this is normal. The reddish color is what I am concerned about. Am I overwatering it? Did I plant it incorrectly? Is it fungus? Or is it in shock? I don't want to over look something and then the tree dies.
Guadalupe County Texas
Expert Response
The bark cracking might just be normal tree maturing, or cold damage. If the overall health of the tree is good and it looks like there is bark underneath, then it's probably just normal maturity. From the picture, it looks fine.
The leaf burn is probably a little bit of transplant shock or a watering issue. If the soil around the tree is sandy, you'll need to water more, but if it's clay, you will need to water less. I'm not sure about your area (I'm in Fredericksburg), but I would highly recommend that you feel the soil before you water. If it's still wet, don't water.
The third picture looks like something rubbed the branch and damaged it. Could have happened during planting. I wouldn't worry about it.
Honestly, I'd take the stake out. Trees don't develop good roots when staked like that for a long period of time. You can do it all at once or take inner tubes or towels and tie them to the fence posts and the tree. Do it loosely so that the tree can move some with the wind, and every two weeks make it looser and looser.
