Question
I planted a 10 ft cottonwood four days ago. The leaves are gradually turning yellow. I live in Cheyenne,WY and it has been very dry so I have tried to water the tree extensively. Should I be concerned? Is there anything that can be done?

Answer
First this maybe the worst time to plant a tree. For best results, Deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs may be planted either in the spring or the fall. Deciduous plants may be planted in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground, up until the time when new foliage is partly unfurled. In the fall, they may be planted once the leaves start to turn color up until the ground freezes.

The hole for the tree should be twice the size of the rootball and as deep and filled with top soil. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold the moisture around the roots. Water with 1 inch of water every third day. Place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop.

New planted trees will have some stress which shows up as foliage dying. But if porperly planted and watered the tree should recover.