How to revive newly planted apricot tree?

[perth9223]

Hi all,

I am relatively new to gardening and certainly not an expert. I planted my first apricot tree a few months ago (bare root), and it all looked pretty good, it started growing leaves, but recently it lost almost all of them. The remaining look like this:

What could this be? Is this some sort of a disease? 

Thanks in advance!

[JacobZ]

Hi @perth9223,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

It certainly doesn't look great, but I don't think it is a disease. It looks like your apricot tree might be experiencing some transplant shock.

It's still alive, but it certainly needs some TLC to get it thriving.

The drooping leaves are an indication that it is not getting enough water. I'd suggest at this time it needs to be watered deeply once a week, transitioning to less frequently as the tree grows stronger. Watering deeply will encourage the roots to chase the water, which in turn promotes strong root growth. Check the top 3-5cm of soil before watering, if it is still damp wait a few days, if it is dry, you can go ahead with watering.

I'd also advise applying a controlled-release fertiliser such as Scotts Osmocote Citrus and Fruit Controlled Release Fertiliser. Follow the instructions on the packaging for how much to apply and water the fertiliser in once applied.

You can also mix Richgro 25L All Purpose Mushroom Compost into the soil around the base of the tree. This will help improve microbial growth in your soil, which will in turn improve the soil conditions for your tree.

Allow me to tag @Noelle, our resident horticultural guru to see if she has any advice to offer.

You can also check out How To Plant And Grow Apricots for some further guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @perth9223 

I think Jacob has hit the nail on the head - your tree is suffering from lack of watering that's made worse by at this stage, poor root growth.

Adopt the recommended watering program as well as the feeding and mulching suggested. You could also use a seaweed tonic (mixed with water to resemble the colour of weak black tea) to encourage root development and strengthen the plant's cells to help it establish.

[perth9223]

Thank you both for the prompt responses, much appreciated! We will proceed as suggested and hopefully save the tree

[JacobZ]

Hi @perth9223,

Keep us in the loop. 

I'd love to see your apricot tree once its back to its full health and thriving.

Jacob

[perth9223]

We gave it way more water, and it worked! The tree now has new baby leaves! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it

[JacobZ]

Hi @perth9223,

That's fantastic, did you have any photos you can share?

It'd be great to see the before and after.

Jacob

[perth9223]

Yes, I will share photos tomorrow! 

[perth9223]

Morning All

The apricot tree this morning with the baby leaves! Definitely a huge progress, thank you! 

[JacobZ]

Hi @perth9223,

Thank you for the updated photo, it's certainly looking much healthier than a couple of weeks ago.

Keep up the watering and applications of seaweed tonic and it'll surely continue to thrive.

Jacob