Question
-------------------------thanks for the advice. is there a fertilizer that would help?
Followup To
Question -
we have planted a 15 gal. melaleuca nesophila six month ago. it doesn't seem to be doing that good. we have watered and periodically given a general fert. would a dose of mycorrhizal help?
thanks,
j
Answer -
Mycorrhiza is not a wonder product which will solve all problems. The use of Mycorrhiza is controversial as it is. What it does is to infect plant roots and create noodles (entry points) where the Mycorrhiza will act as an extended root net for the plant.

The build up of this extended root net takes time and may not be what is preventing the plant from thriving. Mycorrhiza are naturally occuring and especially usefull on trees which do not form own fine feeder roots. Whether this bacteria is equallly efficient for other plants to the same extend is somewhat in dispute. If fertilizers (whether organic or not) are used which are high in phosphorus it has further been suggested that mycorrhiza will be supressed (or may no longer be needed by the plants). Therefore, I would not pay too much attention to mycorrhiza as a universal solution to plants which do not do well.

See this link on mycorrhiza:
http://www.mycorrhiza.org/benefits.htm

If the plant is not doing well, I would consider looking into factors such as:
1. was the plant root bound when planted
2. was the plant watered reguarily until established. while most melalecuas are pretty draugt tolorant once established, they need regular follow up their first season
3. is sun/shade conditions acceptance (e.g. full sun)
4. is there insects/disease present

I don't think mycorrhiza is going to solve your problems, sorry.

Kenneth

Answer
In spring you can use 20-10-10 or any other tree/shrub fertilizer to rejuvinate growth. However, fertilizer should not be used now, and it is not a solution to trees doing poorly. Adding fertilizer to a sick tree usually only makes it worse. Sorry, but I think you need to look at my previous list of items, eg. was the plant root bound ?, has it been watered regularily ?, is sun/shade conditions acceptable ?, was any insect/disease conditions present ?.

Kenneth