Ok, have a question for those whom may know. I have 2 pear trees, which were planted about a month ago. One has gone 95% yellow leaf in 3 days, and the other has some rust coloring on the leaves. Wondering if this could be FABRAEA LEAF SPOT, but the yellowing makes me think not. As a side note about 80% of what goes into the yard seems to die. Fertilizing properly, watering properly, this is perplexing (even the burning bushes (4) I planted are toast now, and it's hard to kill those). Thinking pH level of the yard may be hosed as well, but this neighborhood was farmland until about 4 years ago.

Expert input would be appreciated, I am trying to save these tree's, don't want to see them go dead in the yard.

Thanks in advance,
Darrell

Hi Darrell,

You said, "As a side note about 80% of what goes into the yard seems to die. Fertilizing properly, watering properly, this is perplexing...". I'm wondering if you are referring to trees and shrubs or are you having the same problems with flowers?

With your newly planted trees and shrubs I suspect that you are either overwatering, planted too deeply and the root collar is buried, fertilizer burn or the trees are rootbound and can't take up enough water. Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials houldn't need to be fertilized. Fertilizer stakes tend to burn roots and I hear of many trees suffering from them, especially when they are used on newly planted trees. I would suggest that you contact your local extension service and get a soil test done to include the pH.

http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/cesites.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG089
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/trees/f1147w.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WO017
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting/manyroots.htm
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02926.html
http://www.tlcfortrees.info/planting%20depth.htm
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.asp
http://www.mdvaden.com/advice-landscape.shtml#wateringsuggestions

Newt