Cottonless Cottonwood Transplant Failure: Diagnosis and Replacement

Rapid Leaf Death = Likely Pre-Existing Root Damage

Leaves dying within 2 days of planting indicates the tree was already compromised (root-bound, dried out, or damaged at nursery), not your watering.

Viability Test

1. Scratch bark on branch tips → work downward.
2. Green cambium = alive at that point.
3. Brown = dead. If no green found → tree dead.

Immediate Action

• Contact nursery immediately—most guarantee trees for 1 year.
• Request replacement (best long-term solution).
• Document with photos: planting hole, root ball, tree condition.

If Nursery Refuses / You Keep Tree

• Water correctly: 1″ every 3 days × 2 wks → weekly.
• Mulch 3″ (off trunk).
• No fertilizer first year.
• Wait for spring—scratch test again.

Proper Planting for Replacement

1. Hole 2× root ball width, same depth.
2. Backfill with native soil + quality compost.
3. Mulch 3″, water 1″ at planting.
4. Weekly watering first season.

Key Lesson

Inspect root ball before planting: white roots = healthy; brown/black = dead; circling roots = root-bound. Reject substandard stock.