Question
We moved a tri color beech coming up on three years ago in May.  The tree was originally  planted seven years earlier.  The first year it wilted some, but we kept it watered.  Last year it came out fine then lost foilage and stayed sparse all season, also had some insects. This year it has not leafed out yet, but looks OK. Just wondering how long transplant shock goes on?? This was a beautiful tree, and isin more sun now.  How much time do you think I should invest, before replacing the tree?? P.S.  We had to move the tree because of the patio.

Answer
when a tree is moved the roots are cut back during the transplanting process and when it is re planted since there are not enough roots to support the original amount of foliage the tree tries to adjust the foliage until the roots can catch up by growing back. Root growth is effected by the size of the new hole and the soil around the tree. IF the new hole was just the same size as the root ball it takes more time for the root to grow out then if the hole were dug twice the size of the root ball (the normal recommendation for the size). As long as the foliage is there the roots are growing but slow. I would recommend that you fertilize around the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. Apply the fertilize just before a rain storm and you will not need to water it in. I would fertilize now and again in the Fall after leaf drop.

I would also water with 1 inch of water--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this once every other  week if it does not rain. OR once a week during droughts.