Plant Establishment Problems

We all want our plants to be happy and healthy when we put them in the ground so it can be frustrating when trees and shrubs fail to establish well. Usually, plants use their appearance to tell you that they have not settled in. Yellow or brown leaves and shoots dying back can all be indicative of an establishment problem. You can try to solve the problem but prevention is better than cure. The following is a brief guide to show you how to deal with establishment issues.

What are Establishment Problems?

In most cases trees and shrubs will establish well with no problems. In order to settle in to their new home the plant needs to have a healthy root system and be in the correct soil and location. Weather conditions and aftercare are also important factors. If one or more of these factors are unfavourable, trees and shrubs may fail to establish, often within the first two years after planting.

Symptoms of Establishment Problems

The foliage of trees and shrubs may begin to suffer, with leaves turning yellow or brown, shrivelling and falling. This can take place over several months or quite suddenly.

Causes and Solutions

1.Poor root systems

Bare-root trees and shrubs lose most of their root system when lifted for transplanting and need to grown new roots in order to survive. Good irrigation after planting and weed control are crucial. Therefore, newly planted trees and shrubs must be watered well and the area around the plant must be kept weed-free for the first three years to stop the weeds competing with the plant for water and nutrients.

2.Inadvertent frosting, waterlogging or drying of roots before planting reduces the chances of success

Newly purchased plants should be kept in a cool, but frost-free place, with their roots covered, until you can plant them. Plant bare-root trees and shrubs as soon as you can. If you can't plant them straight away, heel them in until planting is possible.

3. Container grown trees and shrubs have congested roots

Plants that come to you from containers will have their root system intact but being grown in a container can lead to a congested root system that fails to grown into the surrounding soil when planted. Therefore, when planting try to gently uncurl the roots and fan them out in the prepared planting hole. It may also be necessary to cut some of the tangled roots away.

4. Insufficient water

Insufficient watering in the first two years after planting is the main cause of poor establishment. Other plants nearby can also compete for water. It is therefore important to keep a close eye on moisture levels. Remember that watering to soak the root zone requires at least the equivalent of four watering cans per square metre.

5.Weeds

Weeds, lawns and other vegetation will compete with your newly planted trees and shrubs for water and nutrients. Therefore, try to ensure that an area of at least 1.2m (4ft) in diameter around the base of the plant is free from any such competition for three years after planting, using hoeing, weedkillers or mulch.

6. Hot weather

In hot weather, plants lose moisture very quickly and this can cause great stress to newly planted trees and shrubs that have not been able to gain strong roots to allow them to utilise all available water. Therefore, cover the bare area around the base of the tree with a mulch of plastic sheeting or organic matter to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Thick, coarse organic mulches are ideal, cooling the root systems and improving soil structure over time to create a well aerated but moist area where roots can survive winter waterlogging.

7.Wind rock

Wind rock of unsecured trees and shrubs can damage roots and lead to water collecting in the ‘socket' caused by the stem moving at soil level. This can lead to fatal rotting. To solve this problem, use stakes no taller than one-third of the stem height and ensure they are secure. However, avoid excessively tight tree ties when securing stems to stakes, as this can cause damage and remember to progressively slacken the ties as the stems grow.

8. Plant nutrition

Although a lack of nutrients is not usually the cause of establishment problems, it is worth applying a nutrient or fertiliser to the leaves in order to get some nutrients into the plant, even though its roots are not fully functional. Use special fertiliser formulated for foliar feeding, and spray in overcast weather to avoid scorching the foliage. Make sure to spray the undersides of the leaves as well. Fertiliser top dressings in late winter or early spring are worth trying where other factors are clearly not to blame for poor growth.

Don't Panic!

It is always wise to remember that it can take a while for new plants to settle in. Quite often, plants will have been dug up and moved so this can be a tremendous shock to roots and foliage. It is quite usual for plants to lose some leaves when they are trying to settle in - plants lose water through their leaves so shedding them while establishing can be a means of them holding on to much-needed water.  Keep a close eye on your new plantings and all should be well!