Question
I had 18 8-10' Green Giants planted in Nov 06. One yellowed and died April 07. It was watered the same as others. We dug it out and the metal cage around root ball was still intact. Did that cause it to die? The others are dropping yellow needles near the trunk (up and down)are they on their way out? We had a bad drought here in NC this year but I have watered regularly. When I spoke to the landscaper about the one tree dying, he told me they only warrant trees for 1 month unless they are on drip irrigation. I watered as he told me to do even though I had no drip irrigation. Was the metal cage a factor? thanks

Answer
The material holding a root ball should be removed before planting. The roots can not expand with the "cage" around them and they can not get adequate water. And will die. I would talk with the landscaper about why he did not remove the wrapping from the root ball This is the main problem with this tree. Yes the metal cage was a major factor in the death of this tree.