Question
Hi Jim,
I purchased 25 oak trees last April 2009. Most of them have taken to the soil. I used a root stimulater on all of them and have kept them watered more regular than needed due to the drought that we have been in. I live in Lyford,TX. Two of the trees have not sprouted any leaves. I have shaved some bark near the trunk and it appears to be light brown. Are these dead?
Another concer, the trees were planted and some of them I guess go into shock and all of the leaves turn brown and die off. I have continued to keep them watered and they are now sprouting new buds. Is this a shock to them?


Thanks Jim

Answer
The tree that have no green under the bark are dead. Sorry
Trees do go into shock when planted especially if the conditions like a drought happen. If you are getting some leaf growth they should recover. Oaks species tend to grow roots before they grow much in height. They some times will loose some foliage but will be growing a root system. Next spring you should see an increase in height and foliage growth.