I recently planted a number of multi stem River Birch in the 1.5" to 3" caliper range. Also planted a Kousa Dogwood of 1.75" caliper. Riverbirch have lost some leaves and 1 of them has yellowed leaves. Kousa's leaves folded (like jacknives) and some browned and fell off. All blossoms fell of too. All of these trees were in excellent condition when I planted them. I put them near a pond, fairly clay soil where other river birch (planted 2yrs ago) have done exceptionall well. I dug holes 2x size of burlapped and wire basket ball, amended soil with rich topsoil and treetone organic fertilizer, per instructions. I removed top half of burlap, bent back wire and oriented exposed top of ball level with (to a couple of inches above) surrounding grade (as per advice from very good and well respected wholesale tree nursery nearby). I made sure not to cover root ball with soil, gently compacting soil around ball and adding a woodchip mulch ring about 4" deep and at least 4 to 5" away from trunk, spreading out to make a healthy sized mound, about 5' in diam. It has been very rainy (heavy storms with intense rainfall), but also sunny and I noticed when planting that a couple of the holes retained water and some didn't, but all trees look the same now....kinda in shock. If I dig down a bit, the surrounding soil seems nice...not too soupy. The Kousa's shock seems the most dire and one of the River Birch's leaves are especially yellow. Should I relax and know that they'll be in shock through this season, then fine next spring, or are there things I can do to help, if I can even identify the problem. I thought maybe root burn from fertizing with the Tree Tone, or maybe too wet...??? Any Ideas? Thanks, CG

Greetings Christian:

Unfortunately, like 90%+ off all the tree health problems I receive via this Internet venue -- my answer is that you are going to need to contact a local professional forester, horticulturist, or arborist for an on-site assessment.

Without physically seeing the tree and knowing more about the general environmental conditions, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for me to provide you with a legitimate and valid recommendation.

Therefore, please contact a local professional forester, horticulturist, or arborist for an on-site assessment of your tree(s).

Best of luck!