Is my Crepe myrtle tree dying?

Question

I just bought a big crepe myrtle and california pepper tree in a 15 Gallon bucket from a local grower, the trees are very big , they are like 2.5" trunk diameter. when i bought the trees, the guy had to cut off a couple big roots from the tree that were growing out of the bucket to the ground. he specifically told me there is no warranty on the tree becos of that reason, at that time, the big trees were already on the truck so i just took them home. a week has gone by, now both the tree seems to be dying, the leaves look curly and dry and they are losing a lot of leaves. i have no idea wether are they dying or in shock? is it worth transplanting them to the ground? please advice.Thank you! P/S: i had learned my lesson and think i'm being punished for being greedy on getting a big tree out of a small 15 gal. :~((

Answer 1

I would get them into the ground asap. They are in shock. Get them in the ground and water the heck out of them. Don't expect them to recover much this year. And, even though they may look dead in the fall/winter, continue to water them. They will probably come back next spring.

Answer 2

They are dying from both a combination of weather, shock, the loss of those roots growing out of the bucket, and planting at the wrong time of year.
Try again to plant some trees about the 3rd week of September, when it is still warm but not yet frost. The next time you buy the trees, look for ones NOT growing out of the bucket. Take a moment to examine the bucket and holes of the bucket - small root fibers coming out of bucket - OK - big roots coming out, no go. Check the leaves for insect damage (mottled leaf color is a good indicator of insect damage, as well as holes in leaves). Blackened stems are a fair indication of a disease, and you discovered that dry leaves indicate shock.
Check the trees you have now for new leaf growth before chucking them. If the Crepe Myrtle has some green, fresh leaf buds along its branches, you might be able to save it yet. Crepe Myrtles do go dormant, so if this one has leaf buds happening, plant it in the middle of September when the weather cools a little, and when digging that hole try to dig at least 4 feet down and break up that hard pan if you can! be sure to put in some fertilizer at the bottom of the hole before putting in the tree, and make sure you water it good and deep until the winter rains come.
There's no shame in trying to get a big tree cheap. Only shame that the nurseryman would give you a warranty for he himself cutting off that root!

Answer 3

Crepe's transplant VERY well...even with root damage. Just soak the root ball & get it in the ground. Keep it watered well every day for at least a week. If the leaves look dry again, it needs water.
Wanting a bigger tree is not being greedy... =) Good luck!

Answer 4

With being in the industry for over 10 years and counting , trees with root defects ( girdeling, circuling, kinked, or roots comming out from the bottom of the container) are doomed for failure. Trees in this state have been in the container too long , the roos may have been rooted in the ground at the nursery already from the container. Roots comming out from the bottom of the nursery container especially big roots also means that most likely the roots inside the container around the root ball are bound and can't absorb water and neutirents to its full potential, there fore stressing the tree. Trees in this state usually are greatly stressed. It is always best to plant trees in the ground they will do far better especially in your case.

Answer 5

my crape myrtle tree roots don't show it is well planted, my problem is that the leaves look brown and dry compared to the green color that the other myrtle has. I don't know what to do. Should I get rid of the leaves? or cut all branches short.? Can anybody help me

Answer 6

I think you should have put them into the ground immediately. You should have a hole larger than the root ball, and it should be filled with water.

It might be too late for these, now, as they were compromised when the roots were cut back, and not getting them into damp soil immediately worsened the situation.

You can still try getting them into the ground. If they don't live, at least you'll still have the holes to work with when you get a replacement.

Answer 7

Before planting them in the ground, try to give them the same conditions they were use to in the store. After they recover, slowly introduce them the the part of the yard were you want to plant them in the ground.

Don't over water them in the pots, make sure there are holes in the bottom for the water to drain.

Don't fertilize until a month after you have them in the ground.

Now it is a wait and see situation.

By the way, it's best to buy small plants. For larger trees, have a professional plant them for you.

Answer 8

I agree with enn and would add to her advice: get a gallon of vitamin B1 at the garden supply store and follow directions when you plant the trees. B1 helps trees with shock.

Answer 9

i honestly don't know if they will make it or not but i always buy my plants,bushes and trees at walmart.if they die they will replace them.