My balsam fir is browning...help! - Ask Extension
My 6' balsam fir (planted in mid-June 2021) is starting to brown. I've been watering every 2-3 days on the soaker setting for about 5 minutes each tim...
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My balsam fir is browning...help! #765849
Asked August 05, 2021, 9:14 AM EDT
My 6' balsam fir (planted in mid-June 2021) is starting to brown. I've been watering every 2-3 days on the soaker setting for about 5 minutes each time. I water just outside of the drip line to avoid from root rot. There seemed to be growth on the tips, about a week ago those were all light green and soft, but this morning they are crispy and much more curled. The surrounding plants seem happy, so I'm not sure what is causing the tree to react this way. Thank you for your help!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The balsam might be experiencing transplant shock. Current growing conditions are very unfavorable for recently planted trees and shrubs.
Go here to learn about transplant shock and what can be done about it.
http://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-19.pdf
The tree might not be getting enough water. It's important to keep the root ball well watered, especially under the current drought conditions. Please note the watering guidelines mentioned in the previous publication and the ones that follow.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs
