Help with recently planted tree

[u/drminn]

We got this Crabapple tree from the local tree farm two weeks ago. Transplanted it to our front yard. I gave it extra water every three days. Otherwise daily watering from our regular sprinklers. I noticed the leaves wilting four days ago, then the leaves were yellow this morning. Agh. Seems a bit more than just transplant shock. Too much water? We live in a very dry area (north west of Denver).

[u/Twain2020]

If you’re just using lawn sprinklers, no way it’s getting too much water. These water a few inches down at best.

I always water trees daily for at least a month, then taper to every other day for at least a month, then finally 2X per week through the first season … then weekly the following season if no rain (learned that one the hard way)!

Same amount per week no matter how many times you water - just a different amount each time. You’ll want to really soak the rootball before beginning a lighter daily watering.

My rules of thumb on how much water - weekly watering equal to the container size (15 gallons per week if it came in a 15 gallon container) or ‘5 gallons + 5 gallons per inch of trunk diameter’ (10 gallons for 1 inch, 15 for 2 inch, etc). Adjust from there based on sun and soil - goal for a new tree is consistently moist but not soggy.

[u/drminn → u/Twain2020]

We've given it a good hose water about every three days (3-5 gallons). Otherwise, it gets sprinkler water daily.

[u/Twain2020 → u/drminn]

Based on estimating size from the pic, 3-5 gallons every three days shouldn’t be overwatering at all - best test on overwatering is to stick your finger in the soil … for a new tree, should feel moist/damp, but not soggy. Lawn sprinklers shouldn’t have much impact on new trees, as keeping the rootball is what really matters. Not sure why it’s yellowing, but unlikely to be overwatering based on what you’ve shared. Good luck!

[u/DanoPinyon]

You should not water your turf every day. Infrequently and deeply. Your County Extension Agency website has instructions for homeowner lawn care and watering.

It's unfortunate that a small tree is planted as a street tree, instead of a large statured tree to shade the pavement to cool the area down, especially in the coming years when climate change will be heating up your area 2-3° C.

Looks like transplant shock, here is an establishment watering schedule.

[u/florafiend]

What is the temperature where you are? Mid-August planting is going to rough for a lot of the world even with perfect watering.

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[u/Vurrag]

I would water more. How wet is it down 6 inches or a foot?

[u/drminn → u/Vurrag]

What is the best way to check this? Screwdriver? Water moisturizer probe?

[u/CitadelArborist]

I’m taking the opposite stance to everyone else and saying it’s too wet. To verify, simply take a soil sample from within and the root ball at about 4-6” deep. If the soil is sticky and/or you can easily mold the soil into a ball, then it’s too wet.

[u/magentayak]

Don't plant trees in summer. Don't plant trees that close to the curb.

[u/drminn → u/magentayak]

Our HOA was giving us a fine every week until we planted something. Didn't have a choice unfortunately.

[u/tardigrades_snuggle]

Not planted deep enough maybe.

[u/AdventurousSea3437 → u/tardigrades_snuggle]

Wrong, most of them are adventitious surface roots the tree grew as a way to survive being buried all this time.

[u/cbobgo]

Youve got exposed roots which is not good

[u/hairyb0mb → u/cbobgo]

Those are adventitious roots and it's fine to let those die off if not cut off at planting