Newly Planted Live Oak Declining: Transplant Shock or Planting Failure?

A 15-ft live oak planted in September (suboptimal timing) showing **progressive browning from bottom up, leaf drop, dead twigs, but green cambium on some branches** suggests **severe transplant shock compounded by probable planting errors**.

Immediate Diagnostic: Scratch Test

1. Start at **outer branch tips**. Scratch bark with fingernail.
2. **Green = alive** at that point. **Brown = dead**.
3. Work downward until you find green or reach trunk.
4. Repeat on multiple branches.

If Green Found: Wait & Support

• **Do NOT fertilize**—burns damaged roots.
• **Water deeply 1x/week** (1 inch) unless rain.
• **Mulch 3 inches** (not on trunk).
• **Wait until spring bud break** to prune dead wood.

If No Green (or Only at Trunk): Replace

**Likely causes:**

• Root ball dried out before planting.
• Burlap/wire basket **not removed** (roots can’t expand).
• Hole too small/smooth-sided ("bathtub effect" in clay).
• Planted too deep (root flare buried).

**Most new trees carry 1-year warranty.** Demand replacement by contractor. Proper planting: hole 2x root ball width, same depth; remove ALL burlap/wire; backfill with native soil; mulch; water.

**Not oak wilt.** This is mechanical/physiological failure.