Slow Tree Growth Resolution

Most slow growth can be caused by a variety of things such as pH, weed and grass competition, lack of sunlight, Walnut trees poisoning the roots, too wet or too dry for the type plant, herbicide drift, cold hardiness, rodents, insects, improper planting depths and microbial nematodes.

  1. Check your pH levels - pH is a big deal and is usually the problem in most cases when everything else seems ok. Low pH (under 5.5) will cause the soil to bind up nutrients and not release them to the tree, preventing the tree from growing. pH can be completely different just 10′ away so just because there are other trees you planted doing well nearby we can’t assume the pH is the same. Our target pH will be 6.5 for most plants.
  2. Too many weeds -  Weeds and grass react to moisture and nutrients much faster than trees and shrubs, so make sure you are using our weed mats and maintaining your plot frequently. 
  3. Not enough sunlight - apple trees will not grow in the shade of other trees and will need to be moved. Rule of thumbs for all food producing trees is full day sun is best. Half day sun will do with morning sun being better than afternoon/evening sun.
  4. Too wet - Fruit trees need well drained soil. Well drained meaning does not hold water for longer than 2-4 days after storm and is not in a flood plain. Oaks that are crossed with a swamp oak variety will do better in wetter areas once established. 
  5. Too dry - supplemental watering will be needed
  6. Rodents - check for damage caused by animals and insects at the base of your trees. Maintaining weeds in 5 ft diameter circle around your tree and using our tree protectors can help reduce rodent damage. 
  7. Nematodes (small microbial worms can eat the roots) - this is not very common, but it could be a cause when weeds are present. 
  8. Lack of nutrients - don't forget to purchase nutri-packs!
  9. Winter Die Back - If a harsh winter is experienced in the area trees have been planted winter die back could occur. Nuts trees are notorious for this. The trunk of the tree will die back each winter until the root system has established itself enough to endure the harsh winter in the colder climate zones. Even though the top of the tree dies each year the root system will continue to live below the soil and will try to produce a new trunk/stem each year until it is stable enough to survive the winter.