Longleaf Pine Summer Planting Shock

May-planted longleaf pines browning from inside out = transplant shock. Correct planting window: November-March. Summer heat overwhelms new roots.

Shock Symptoms

• Inner needle browning = stress shedding
• Outer green = still alive
• One dead tree = root failure
• Sprinkler every other day = shallow roots

Recovery Protocol

• Mulch 3-4" now (conserves moisture, cools soil)
• Deep water weekly (1" measured)
• No fertilizer—stimulates growth roots can't support
• Wait until winter—assess survival then

Longleaf Specifics

Longleaf pines tolerate root disturbance better than other pines but still need dormant-season planting. Your survivors may recover if roots establish before next summer.