What could be causing my Live Oak tree to turn brown?
Question:I just moved into a new home in Texas, the builders planted a Live Oak in the front yard. Some of the leaves are turning brown. I have watered the tree every 3 or 4 days. Any ideas what is causing the tree to have brown leaves? Our soil is very poor clay and I have not fertilized it in the 30 days I have lived in the newly constructed house.
Answers:
I have had 5 yrs in the Custom landscape industry and have a couple of recommedations. One. If there is a ring of mulch around the tree anything higher than ground level could be causing difficulties in the production of photosynthesis. It kind of causes the tree to "suffocate" and hinders the xylem-phloem circulation. Two. you may have to dig down to the root ball and see if the "genisuses" that installed the tree remembered to cut away the burlap wrap. And Three. Look around your near by neighbors and see if their trees are in the same predicament (look on and under the leaves for possible spots) could be a fungal/bacteria issues, both of which are easy enough to solve with a tree spray found at most local nurseries. Good luck
I semi-concur with the previous answerer, but I would also make sure that it wasn't buried too deep. If it was a ball and burlap tree, the burlap will deteriorate, so leave it alone, as it is keeping it's very fragile root system together. Just make sure that they cut the burlap open at ground level, but not below. Sometimes, when a tree is planted at or below ground level, it will find itself in a drowning situation. Trees are very shallow rooted and prefer to be planted a little shallow than a little too deep. Did you know that you can only add 2" of dirt around the base of the tree a year? Any amount of mulch is fine as it lets air and water in. If it were me and you want a guaranteed answer, then call your local extension office and see if someone in your specific area can come physically lay their eyes on your tree. It could be something specific to your area. Good Luck!
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