Replanted Conifers Turn Brown: Likely Dead, Lessons for Next Time

Conifers Dug from Friend’s Garden, Replanted, Now Brown After 3 Weeks

Owner asks if they can be saved.

Assessment

Probably dead. Once entirely brown, conifers rarely recover. Common mistakes:

• Wrong season (summer in NJ).
• Insufficient root ball soil.
• Inadequate watering (need 5+ gal weekly unless rain).

Future Advice

Research before digging. Transplant in dormancy (Dec–Mar in NJ). Water in with 10–15 gal, then weekly during dry spells >50°F. Fertilize with Espoma products.