Crimson Spire Oak - Ask Extension (2024)

Asked June 24, 2021, 4:27 PM EDT

Hello - I read your reply to the crimson spire oaks that died. Iplanted one in our backyard in Ft. Collins. At first, it seemed to thrive, but the past two summers, it looks like this (photos). I've been told that the stamped concrete patio is probably the culprit as the tree is basically sitting in a bath of hot and wet clay. The top branch buds every spring, but never leafs out, and it just turns a muddy brown in the fall, not the crimson red we had looked forward to. Is there any saving this tree? Is it too late to add clay busters so it drains well? Nutrients and fertilizers? Thanks so much for your help. Ann Bilyeu

Larimer County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Ann,

It looks like the photos didn't go through. If it's easier, send them to me via email: <personal data hidden>

Oaks can be a bit difficult to establish, but they actually do quite well in our clay soils. Proper planting is important. Since the tree has been in the ground for two years, changing/adjusting the soil around the tree will be difficult if not impossible.

Also, trees need regular water to become established, and this is especially true in fall and winter when we have little moisture.

I look forward to your photos!

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied June 25, 2021, 7:27 PM EDT

Thank you!! What causes the tip to do that? Thank you so much. Any guidance you can give me for clay buster products, fertilizers, etc. wouldbegreatly appreciated! Ann


On Fri, Jun 25, 2021 at 5:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Crimson Spire Oak - Ask Extension (1)Crimson Spire Oak - Ask Extension (2)

The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2021, 2:10 PM EDT

Hi again,

Probably winter desiccation or cold injury. If you think about it, it's the most exposed part of the tree. Since it's the leader, you could cut it back to the next growing point and then train a new leader. Last fall we had a severe cold snap where the temps went from the 70s to the teens overnight. It killed a lot of buds on many trees.

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied June 26, 2021, 9:57 PM EDT

Thank you, but it has done this every summer except for the first two after we planted it. I've also been given advice not to cut it back. We did that last summer before we were told not to cut it back, and the result is the same. I guess I need to hire an arborist.

Can you give us advice on how to tell if we need to cut back to over water? Is the concrete a problem? Any advice on fertilizer or nutrients?


On Sat, Jun 26, 2021 at 7:58 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2021, 1:26 PM EDT

Hi again,

I don't think I'm exactly understanding what you're needing with this tree. Perhaps it would be best seen in person? We have a Tree Team, comprised of Master Gardener volunteers who make house visits. The cost is $25/hour. If you would like this, please send me your mailing address, zip code, and phone number. You can email me this information: <personal data hidden>

If you prefer to have an arborist assess the tree, visit www.treesaregood.com and search for one by your location.

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied June 28, 2021, 10:45 AM EDT

We are trying to find out:

1. Why the tree, for the past three years, will bud but not fully leaf out. The first two years we had it, this didn't happen. Is this a matter of over or underwatering, or a lack of nutrients?

2. It doesn't turn red in the fall, but turns a muddy brown color. Is this a lack of nutrients, or over/under watering.

3. Does the fact that it is trying to grow under all that concrete have something to do with it?

We are in Ft. Collins, 80524.<personal data hidden> (Please leave a message)


On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 8:45 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2021, 11:47 AM EDT

Hi again,

We assign our Tree Team visits by Zip code. What is your zip code?

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied June 28, 2021, 11:51 AM EDT

I thought I gave it to you, sorry. 80524


On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 9:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2021, 12:03 PM EDT

Thanks...I'll have someone reach out to you!

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied June 28, 2021, 12:19 PM EDT

Crimson Spire Oak - Ask Extension (2024)
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