rose , is the unhappy plant,planted too deep,,,did you examine roots for restrictions/circiling before planting ?

how long have they been planted ?

ron

you sure , they need water once a week, by feeling the soil ?

Hi Ron, are you thinking I am overwatering? The area has good drainage and the soil is nicely damp without being soggy. This is California and we are in a serious drought. We irrigate our gardens and my system is on a timer, 45 minutes once a week. Even when we are not in a drought, there is no rain for 5-6 months a year. I am already thinking of cutting the watering frequency from every 7 days to every 9 or 10 as a way to reduce water. We are required to reduce out water usage by 25%. It is a new law. I'm not happy about it, but I do see the need.

I don't think I planted it too deeply, but planting in a gopher basket means that sometimes they sink after planting. I will take a good look at that. Thanks for the suggestion. I've had it happen with other trees.

the second is probably dying ... that off coloration is not a good sign ...

i am unsure when planted ... just now.. or last year ...

return on warranty. if possible ...

insert finger.. and find out if they need water ... its hard to water conifers on drip ... as other plants on the line.. may need a lot more than the conifers ..

i dont really know what clay sand is ... have you ever perked it???

ken

are you thinking I am overwatering?

just asking,,only you can tell,,,by doing what ken and I suggest

conifers like to dry out alittle between watering

you never said when it was planted

Keystone should bring their pipeline making crap to Mississippi river,,,build one to Cali.

ron

Hi Ken, they were both planted a year ago at the same time. I had that in my original post but somehow edited it out. These particular beds are currently on spray irrigation, though we are going to have to convert to drip soon due to the 4 year drought and water restrictions.

Sandy clay is actually pretty decent soil; good drainage because of the sand and good fertility because of the clay. Lots of compost, too so the organic content is high. Other plants in the area are all thriving. I did check for moisture and it is fine. My soil tends to the alkaline because there is a lot of limestone -- this was wine and fruit tree farmland before we started growing computers here instead. However, I don't think that is the problem because the other tree seems fine.

I may try just moving the suffering tree. If it improves, that is fine. If not, well, I won't have lost anything.

if the warranty will expire.. moving it.. loses it ...

if you have none.. you have nothing to lose..

what if any root surgery did you do .. was the plant severely root bound in the pot ...

KEN

Honestly I don't recall them being potbound. These were (and are) little trees, I think in gallon pots. I will just rejoice in the one that is doing well. There are losses when you deal with living plants.