Thundercloud plum tree problem?

transplanted from a nursery a thundercloud plum tree. 2.5" tree with 32" wide root ball. my hole was extra deep and filled with top peet and humus i was 40" wide and backfilled with the same mix. it is one week later, i have been soaking it with water daily but the leaves are starting to turn half brown then falling off what happening and how do i stop it. im in buffalo ny with good sun and good soil thanks

Thundercloud plum tree problem?
I don't think our planting technique was wrong, and these are robust trees. I would only water to keep it moist (a good soaking when it starts to dry out) ,your organic matter will hold the moisture and with a daily soaking you may be drowning it (they like good drainage).



Also it may be suffering from transplant shock, give it a dose of seaweed extract, something like Seasol, this helps prevent shock and also encourages root growth but is not a fertilizer (do not fertilize until the tree is established).



Try not to be hard on yourself, the tree may have been in a shady position at the nursery and you have now planted it in the sun, and it's had a bit of a shock, and in this case it may loose all its leaves and then replace them with new ones, just it's way of copping.



I think you will find with careful watering it will recover and be happy, just give it a bit of time.
Reply:Only water it once a week and when you water it do it for 5-10 minutes (a deep watering). Follow this rule even if it is extremely hot. Over watering will kill your trees. You will only need to water like this for the first year. After that you can do a deep watering every other week unless it is really dry then go to once a week. I know you think your tree is suffering from lack of water but it is not. It is suffering from a form of shock and overwatering at this point will only hurt the tree. Also, when you planted it make sure that you cut away the wrapping from around the base of the trunk and that you did not plant it too deeply. When you plant you do not take off the burlap around the root ball -- rather you just loosen up the collar so as the tree grows it doesn't get chocked by the burlap and string around the trunk. About a quarter of the root ball should be ABOVE ground. Trees need air to survive and completely buring the root ball cuts off that oxygen. Trees can survive shock and most do so be patient with the tree.