Water

improper watering.. and no mulch.. see link about proper watering ...

its going to look ugly the rest of the year.. until it losses those ugly leaves.. but even damaged leaves can process sunlight ....

so if you perfect watering for the rest of the season.. you should be good next spring ...maybe just so removal of some dead sticks ...

ken

https://sites.google.com/site/tnarboretum/Home/planting-a-tree-or-shrub

Thank you. We are only allowed to water 1 day a week since there is a water ban on. Saturday is the only day, but we try to water everything during the time we are allotted. Thanks for the help.

Could you use grey water in between times?

The water should be applied in a very slow trickle. I'd poke some holes in the soil around it so the water can be better absorbed by the rootball.

They are pretty drought resistant once established.

Mike

Mike - Why a very slow trickle?

Because when irrigation water is applied in a low volume over an extended period of time (low and slow!!), it is able to penetrate deeply down into the soil profile - provided the soil itself is receptive.....poking the holes should help. This delivers the water properly down to the root system where it is of benefit. Quick surface watering, like with a sprinkler, water wand or even standing there holding the hose on the plant for a few minutes, does not allow the water to penetrate adequately and encourage the roots to go down deeply to seek it out. The roots tend to stay up at the surface of the soil, which also dries out the fastest. The deeper and better developed the root system, the more drought tolerant the plant will become and thus a need for less watering once established.

think about the ball of roots you planted ... you have to get the water down into that ball.. sprinkling the surface is not watering down where the roots are ...

do you know what grey water is ...????

ken

I see. Okay! That makes perfect sense! Thanks so much.

Mulching cuts way down on water loss. If you want to spend the money independent garden centers have bags sold for making the establishment of trees easier, that you fill with water that then seeps out and into the soil next to the plant. This would be a way to keep the smoke-bush moist without making frequent fresh applications of water.

If you live in a dry summer area with recurring water restrictions, are going to be buying anymore cold hardy shrubs etc. try to shift your main planting season to fall instead of spring.