Transplanting a Hickory

[Frank_B]

Well, gentlemen and ladies,

This isn't good news... The tree continues to leaf out but it just isn't thriving.  There are several dead sticks on the tree, with most of the very top leafless.  The leaves appear healthy to me; but, there's no new growth shooting out of any of the branches.

Day before yesterday I had a licensed arborist come by the house to take a look and render his opinion.  He said the tree is on the way out.  His initial diagnosis was an ill-fated attempt to transplant a tree that should not have been moved.  He believes the root ball has not regained any growth.

So, there's a decision to be made.  He offered - at expense - to trim the dead wood and shoot the roots with phosphate in an attempt to stimulate root growth.  A treatment now, another in the fall, and a third next spring.  The total bill will be something less than $400.  Then we wait until 2015 to see if the tree is going to recover.  His prognosis is dim.

The other side of the coin is to cut the losses and replant with a healthy tree.  I'd lose the hickory that followed us here way back at the beginning of this protracted thread, but, the house would have a healthy tree in the front yard - albeit one that looks like the rest of suburbia, USA.

I guess I'm venting more than anything here...  If anyone has a suggestion on which direction to take, please feel free to chime in.  Was transplanting this hickory really too far off the scale?  If it were your tree, would you spend the additional dollars on slim hope?

Man, this is a real bummer.

Frank

[John Mc]

What a bummer!

I had always heard that you are better off transplanting a small tree and letting it grow - less of a shock to the system, but I was really hoping this one would work out.

In addition to the shock to the tree's system, I'm wondering if they were just not able to get enough of the root ball for a tree this size to be viable.

John Mc

[beenthere]

Well, gentlemen and ladies,
...........  He offered - at expense - to trim the dead wood and shoot the roots with phosphate in an attempt to stimulate root growth.  A treatment now, another in the fall, and a third next spring.  The total bill will be something less than $400.  Then we wait until 2015 to see if the tree is going to recover.  His prognosis is dim.
.........

Frank
Sorry to hear it too.
But I'd skip the expense of trimming the dead wood and just do the phosphate treatment. Should be a lot less expensive. If it ends up positive, then do the dead wood trim.
But wouldn't talk you out of putting in another new tree in the meantime.
Our hickory trees are dying out apparently from a borer getting into the tops. Neighbor next to me has lost a number of shagbark hickory trees, but I've not lost many (yet).

[WDH]

Frank,

It was a stretch for a tree of that size to overcome the stress of a transplant, but I applaud your efforts to establish the tree and what it represents.  One thing to consider would be to give the phosphate treatment a try before throwing in the towel.  Trimming the dead branches off would not render any significant benefit to the tree, and it will only trim your wallet.

You might consider doing the phosphate treatment yourself to save some money. 

[Frank_B]

WDH,

Thanks for the recommendation to leave the dead wood and save the wallet - I'll do that.

Concerning the phosphate treatment, can you offer any advice on quantity, delivery method, and delivery technique?  Would anything containing high levels of phosphate work if sprinkled on the ground, or should I look for a liquid to inject or a spike to bury?

Not being an arborist, I'm still seeing lots of green where the professional who looked at the tree saw dead and dying wood.  I'm not anxious to cut it down, and if there's still a chance, I'd like to give the tree as much opportunity to succeed as possible.

This has been quite an adventure for the past three and half years, and I sincerely appreciate everyone's advice.  You wouldn't believe how many folks have stopped by and said they're pulling for the tree!  It is quite the conversation piece in the neighborhood - much more accepted than the bee hive in the back yard...

Frank

[WDH]

Frank,

It can't be that hard to drill some holes around the root zone of the tree and put in the phosphate, however, I do not have any specific experience on the kind and amount of phosphate.  You could ask the arborist for a recommended prescription, but if the arborist won't give it to you, contact the County Agent or Extention Office to get a lead on where you can get that info.

Our own Dodgyloner here on the Forum may have some experience with this or he may know where to get the specific info.  He has been scarce on the Forum since getting married in May. 

If you cannot get the info you need from the arborist, the County Agent or Extention Office, send me a PM.