Nyssa sylvatica fall 2023 transplant concern - Ask Extension
I'm worried about my new Nyssa sylvatica sapling transplanted in the fall of 2023. Tree came from Arbor Day and was covered in black leaf spots. Tree ...
Knowledgebase
Nyssa sylvatica fall 2023 transplant concern #866376
Asked April 29, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT
I'm worried about my new Nyssa sylvatica sapling transplanted in the fall of 2023. Tree came from Arbor Day and was covered in black leaf spots. Tree made it through winter and now is starting to die out. What can I do to save the tree?
Clermont County Ohio
Expert Response
Michael
It looks like your tree is well sited, in full sun, and well mulched.
From the photos it looks like the tree is planted at ground level or a little low, which is not usually preferred. Tree should be planted slightly proud of (higher than) ground height to allow drainage. But Nyssas are fairly tolerant of wet feet, as long as they aren't constantly wet.
Nyssa do have a taproot and can be finicky about (trans)planting. But the tree would likely have died overwinter if this were the problem.
My bigger concern is the pH of your soil. Nyssa are not tolerant of alkaline soil. Have you tested your soil pH? You can buy test kits or bring a soil sample to you local extension office. The cost is typically $15-20 and takes a week.
While Nyssa are susceptible to leaf spots, this should not significantly affect the health of your plant.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nyssa-sylvatica/
At this point, keep an eye on the tree. Water weekly for the first year if you don't get 1" rain. Don't prune or fertilize the tree.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs
All the best, Roxanne
It looks like your tree is well sited, in full sun, and well mulched.
From the photos it looks like the tree is planted at ground level or a little low, which is not usually preferred. Tree should be planted slightly proud of (higher than) ground height to allow drainage. But Nyssas are fairly tolerant of wet feet, as long as they aren't constantly wet.
Nyssa do have a taproot and can be finicky about (trans)planting. But the tree would likely have died overwinter if this were the problem.
My bigger concern is the pH of your soil. Nyssa are not tolerant of alkaline soil. Have you tested your soil pH? You can buy test kits or bring a soil sample to you local extension office. The cost is typically $15-20 and takes a week.
While Nyssa are susceptible to leaf spots, this should not significantly affect the health of your plant.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nyssa-sylvatica/
At this point, keep an eye on the tree. Water weekly for the first year if you don't get 1" rain. Don't prune or fertilize the tree.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs
All the best, Roxanne
Good evening, Roxanne,
Thank you for the prompt response.
I have not had our soil tested for pH, but our endless summer hydrangeas nearby are typically blueish purple, never pink.
I will order the soil sample to check that.
I was more concerned with the yellowing brown curling leaves and if that's a lack of water or a pest.
I am also hoping the tree can overcome the top leader which has not leafed out yet and might have died back.
The tree is located on a bit of a slope I built out a bit so the immediate site is level but any water would likely seep down or around and I tried to get the ground below the root flare during planting.
The tree was dedicated to our marriage and we planted it together so I'm hoping I can nurse it along until it can get established.
I greatly appreciate your expertise and guidance.
Sincerely,
Michael Outrich
Michael
If the leader still bends with light pressure, I would leave it and see if it leafs out later. Another check is to do a light scrape of the stem with your finger nail to see if the layer under the bark is green. However, I would not recommend that on a branch that is less than 1/2" in diameter.
Yellowing or drooping leaves that can indicate overhydration, as opposed to dry, brown leaves that can indicate underwatering. The few red leaves also can be a sign of stress. This spring hasn't been easily. Wet, now followed by dry and heat.
For now, I suggest you test the soil pH and water regularly as needed (amounts are listed in the fact sheet I sent previously).
Reach out again if you continue to see a decline.
Roxanne
If the leader still bends with light pressure, I would leave it and see if it leafs out later. Another check is to do a light scrape of the stem with your finger nail to see if the layer under the bark is green. However, I would not recommend that on a branch that is less than 1/2" in diameter.
Yellowing or drooping leaves that can indicate overhydration, as opposed to dry, brown leaves that can indicate underwatering. The few red leaves also can be a sign of stress. This spring hasn't been easily. Wet, now followed by dry and heat.
For now, I suggest you test the soil pH and water regularly as needed (amounts are listed in the fact sheet I sent previously).
Reach out again if you continue to see a decline.
Roxanne
