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New Ponderosa Pine Yellowing: Underwatering Despite Neighbor's Sprinkler

7-ft ponderosa planted 6 wks ago; needles yellow/pale/brown. Nursery said water weekly. Neighbor's daily 15-min sprinkler dampens soil to 5". Skipped watering 3 wks (1x only). Under/overwatered?

Diagnosis: Underwatering

Lawn sprinkling ≠ deep tree watering. Trees need 1"/week to 12"+ depth. 15-min lawn cycle wets only surface.

Correction

Pan test: sprinkler until 1" in pan
Or use water probe (nursery) for deep watering
New trees this season: water every 3 days when no rain
Some transplant needle browning normal; inadequate water kills roots → more dieback

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