How to treat newly planted hedge leaves turning yellow?

[andi_e47]

It’s our first time planting a hedge. It’s been 2 weeks and most have yellow leaves. We think this may be over watering at the start but are concerned it’s under watering or disease/lack of something. Any guidance would be great. 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @andi_e47,

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

There are two main suspects in my eyes, water and nutrients.

In terms of water, the yellowing could be from either over or underwatering, but from what you've said it is more likely overwatering. Pull back the mulch around the base of your plants and stick your finger in the soil. You want to check the top 5-10cm of soil is not still wet from the last watering before watering again. If the roots are constantly sitting sodden, this will cause stress to the plant that can manifest in yellowing leaves, stunted growth and other issues. You should aim to water deeply around once a week. If you find the soil beneath the mulch is still wet after a week, mix compost such as this Richgro All Purpose Mushroom Compost into the soil around the base of the tree to microbial growth in the soil which will in turn promote better drainage.

Lack of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can cause yellowing in older leaves. Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll production, so low levels will cause plants to direct the available nutrients to newer growth. As the yellowing leaves look to be older growth, there's a good chance this is what's happening. An application of All Purpose Controlled Release Fertiliser around the base of the tree will certainly help encourage healthier growth moving forward. Follow the label for application instructions and water in once applied.

Allow me to tag @Noelle and @mich1972 to see if they have any other advice.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @andi_e47 

From your photos, it appears that it is mainly older leaves that are yellowing, not the newer bright green growth. If that's correct then that is probably pretty normal - older leaves tend to turn yellow and drop as they are replaced by new shoots.

Given the plants have only been in the ground for a couple of weeks, over or under watering probably has not had much effect as yet, but Jacob's advice regarding watering and feeding will stand you in good stead into the future as the hedge becomes more established.

Pull the mulch away from around the main trunk of each plant because, as mulch breaks down, it can cause stem rots.

[mich1972]

Good afternoon @andi_e47 Jacob and Noelle have given great advice and I agree with them. Please, definitely push the mulch away from each individual plant.