Question
QUESTION: I just planted my Akebono cherry (12 gallons) a few months ago in the grass of my park strip (about 4 ft wide or more).  Because I wanted to take out the grass and replace it around the tree, we cut off the top two inches of the root ball so the base of the tree would remain at ground level after we put back the grass/dirt.  It was doing great, but this week several leaves have turned yellow with brown spots and the green leaves have browned edges.  I planted another identical tree the same way in the same park strip, but it's doing great still.  I water about 20 minutes 2-3 times per week (the lawn is new, but I plan on decreasing the frequency to about once a week slowly).  What is wrong with it and how can I fix it?

ANSWER: Hi Lisa:
Could you send a photo of the first tree that you planted showing how it is situated in the surroundings? This would give me a better idea of how it is growing. Cutting the top part of the root ball of the tree can remove some crucial roots for establishment.  I'll take a look after I see your photo.
Regards
Steve

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Park Strip   QUESTION: Here are some pictures.  And I spoke to my husband, and he says he only cut the top off the maple in the backyard, not these.  Do you think the root ball is just too far down?  It looks like the base of the tree is at ground level..

Answer
Lisa:
The top of the root ball/root collar of the tree should be level with or 1-2 inches above the soil grade. Planting it too deep can lead to problems.  We usually water the tree in THROUGHLY at planting to get air out of the hole. Roost that grow into an air pocket will often stop growing.  The first few months are critical- lots of TLC. We do not recommend fertilizers or root stimulators at that time.  I am not sure how big this tree gets, but the 4 ft width of soil may become too small on down the road. For the time being, I would just pay attention to watering. Make sure it gets a deep irrigation 1-2/week, especially if the weather is hot/dry and windy as it is here. You can lay a garden hose under the tree and let it trickle for a couple of hrs once or twice per week.

P.S. Put some mulch around the tree. This will help conserve moisture AND keep the lawnmower and stringtrimmers away from the trunk! These things are a death sentence to trees.  The mulch should be no higher than 3".

If you wish, you can email me at my office <[email protected]> and I can send you a brochure from Illinois on the steps of planting a tree. Just mention your subject- Cherry Tree.

Steve