Question From:
Luke Barry in Lockwood South, Lockwood South Victoria
Nature of problem:
No leaves or shoots 3 months after planting
Type of Plant (if known):
Claret Ash tree (Fraxinus angustifolia Raywood)
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Tree looks alive but is yet to produce new shoots or leaves since being planted
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Loam for top 10cm then decomposed granite
How often do you water the plant:
About 20 – 30 litres every 2-3 weeks. Soil around the tree is damp and well mulched with old lucerne hay
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
12 – 13 at present
How long since you planted it:
3 months
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Some chook manure and straw from the chook shed was added to the hole a few weeks before planting
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
None
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
My question is really around the time of year that Claret Ash trees start to show new growth. The tree was planted as a seedling in July and has shown no sign of new growth. There is a greenish tinge to the trunk and branches which indicates the tree is still alive. It is now the 30th October so I expected to see some development by now.
Answer:
Hi Luke, It sounds like it is dead to me, but maybe give it another 3 weeks to be sure. Claret Ashes like a well drained dryish position, so the dampness may have killed it. Next time try a Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), they love dampness and produce superb deep red Autumn colours. Don
