Live or Die - Hawthorne

theBadCormorant

I moved a small hawthorne tree (5' tall)  in the springtime and with all its new leaves on, and when I moved it all the soil fell off the roots, so effectively I replanted it bare rooted in the spring time when in full leaf.

I kept it well watered and amazingly it seemed to keep going, leaves seem to get a little discoloured but there was also some new growth.   But this last couple of weeks, apart from its new growth that looks healthy, all of the other leaves have fallen off.

Not that it really matters,  but how do you think it will fair next year ?  Is it just dying, or will it burst back into full life next spring ?

Obelixx

You'll just have to wait and see.  It's had a lot of stress.  Keep it watered, especially in dry spells and cross your fingers.   Give it a lovely mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure in autumn to protect the roots over winter.

theBadCormorant

The thing is, I don't really want to wait and see what happens.  If I knew it was going to die I could easily plant another one.  However I give this one so much love an attention after I moved it, I sort of want it to survive now.

I would leave it in if it's a 50/50, but if it is more than likely going to die I would rather replace it with a good'n come November (they're free)

Posy

Well, healthy new growth is encouraging and you do rather owe it a little kindness after all that digging up. Some gardeners treat their plants like personal friends and some say, 'Two chances' and chuck them out. You will have to decide which sort you are!