Question
QUESTION: I planted a 6 foot Chinese Pistache tree a couple of weeks ago.  It seems to be doing pretty well.  However, the new leaves are slightly drooping.  They do not look wilted, but the main leaf stem curves downward a little bit.  This is also the same with a few of the older leaf stems.  Like I said before, the tree seems pretty healthy, (no insect infestation, no discolored spots on the leaves, etc).  There is a bit of leaf tatter, because it frosted the same night I planted it.  The leaves had probably immerged early due to where the tree came from originally, but I am not concerned about that.  I give the tree approximately 1 inch of water three times a week.  The ground I planted the tree in is very sandy and drains extremely fast.  
Are the drooping leaf stems normal for a Chinese Pistache?  Please let me know.  Thank you.

ANSWER: Tim:
The drooping leaves/stems may be an indication of root stress, often a complication or result of acclimation of the roots to new surroundings. I suspect it may be too soon to make a accurate judgment. Best to water the tree in well at planting- giving the roots a good contact with soil.  Any air spaces can hinder root growth. Too much or not enough water?? Good question. Best to get a feel for the soil. Sandy, like yours tends to drain quickly and may need more water at each interval. I usually prefer to give it a deep watering, then let it go a while.  See if the leaves droop after a good soaking.  If so, then there may be not enough water applied at each watering.

Regards
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I took another good look at it.  It is just the new growth that is slightly droopy.  If it is root stress, is it something the tree will grow out of?  I have a 4" burm around the tree.  I usually fill this up with water about three times a week.  It soaks in very quickly, and then about 2 days after I water, it feels a little on the dry side.  I insert the tip of my index finger into the soil next to the trunk of the tree.  There is some slightly moist soil stuck to my finger but it isn't really moist.  It is more on the dry side.  Is this okay, or is it too dry?

One more thing.  I recently cut down five Tree of Heavens within 20 feet where I planted this new tree.  I know that these invasive trees don't allow other plants to grow around them.  Is it possible that this growth inhibiting chemical is still in the ground and affecting my little Pistache tree?  I would tend to believe that the Pistache tree would be dead by now if that were the case, but I want to make sure I rule out any other reasons for the drooping leaves.  Thanks.

ANSWER: Tim:
It should grow out of this, especially if the tree "catches on" in a timely manner and the roots get established. Soils moisture sounds good from your description. Just be sure not to overwater.  As mentioned earlier, deep, but infrequent waterings are better than frequent, but shallow waterings.  Mulching around the tree can help preserve water.  No more than 3" deep and rake mulch away from trunk to avoid direct contact with base of tree.

Check out this "Owners Guide" at the link below.

http://na.fs.fed.us/pubs/uf/tom/090202_tom_hr.pdf

It has a lot of good information for trees in other areas too!  It is a pdf file, so you will need a free program on your computer called Adobe Reader to view and print.  The program can be found easily doing a "Google" search.

Enjoy. Don't forget that the best time to plant a tree is...... 20 years ago.

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Steve,

Sorry to bother you again, but there has been a change in the appearance of this Pistache tree.  Those leaves that were a little droopy are now beginning to get a yellowish tint to them.  When I planted this potted tree I noticed a root that looked like it was circling or girdling.  The root was higher up than the rest of the root ball.  I didn't do anything about it, but then I noticed on the document you attached to your last reply, that those circling roots should be cut away.  I dug down an inch into the soil by the trunk until I found that circling root.  I tried to cut it off at the point where it began to circle, but i could not remove it, so I cut it a little higher as well and just removed that small section of the circling root.  (I sterilized my shears with bleach and rinsed them with plain water before I made the cuts.#
In addition to this, we have had some cooler temperatures the past couple of days #down in the 50's), and it has been wet and drizzly and very cloudy.
Could my cutting off that circling root or the cool cloudy weather have anything to do with the yellowing of the emerging leaves on this Chinese Pistache tree?  Please let me know.  I appreciate any advice you could offer me.  

Thank you,
Tim

Answer
Tim:
It is probably a bit too soon to tell if the cut root is responsible for the leaf yellowing. This may be a function of a situation called transplant shock, a period of adjustment for the roots being in a new surrounding.  This can be a "touchy" or critical time.  Sometimes, some of the leaves may actually drop during this time.  This is a way the plant is getting rid of some of it's energy sink.

I expect patience and adequate water is called for at this point.
P.S. Hope you found the Tree Owners Guide useful!!

Regards
S