I live in North Texas--just east of Dallas, so we have spring rains and hot summers. We planted these new trees in early May, watered daily (per instructions we were given) for a few weeks, then cut back to watering twice a week. We initially got a little new growth on the new trees, but lately, the leaves have been dying and falling off--kind of a slow, shriveling leaf. Sounds like not enough water, but I know it can be too much water, as well. There are no signs of bugs or fungas--just leaves dying and branches seem to follow suit as they become dry and brown rather than the healthy purplish color they once were. I was concerned about the heat scorching the ground, so I recently (within the last week) put one of the tree-rings around the bottom to try to reduce the heat effect--really too soon to see if that's going to help. I know there's often some initial shock and settling when you first plant a tree, but I think it should be over that by now-- I'm afraid my tree is dying. Any help you can offer???
Tags: dying, Fruitless, leaves, PLUM, Tree