Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - July 03, 2012

From: jacksonville, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Need help with Tulip Tree in Jacksonville,Florida
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I planted a 20 foot tall Tulip Tree last spring. The hole I dug was double the size of what the tree came in. The tree was doing well until we got tropical storm Debby. In the middle of the night the tree started to lean. I pushed it back in place and tied it up with rope and cut up water hose. Now everything is drying up all the leafs are turning brown and falling off. I was hoping you could tell me what I did wrong and what else I can do to help it. Thank you for your time!

ANSWER:

The Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree) is a beautiful  tree, and should do well in Florida. More information about the tree can be found at Floridata.com.

When I hear about newly planted trees losing their leaves, transplant shock comes to mind. In this case, the problems of a new transplant were probably increased by the beating it took from Debby.

I am going to give you four links to sources that have information about transplanting trees, preventing transplant shock, and dealing with transplant shock.

Two of these are from Northscaping.com
    first year tree care  

    10 tips to minimize trans.shock

From Clemson University

     newly planted trees

From the University of Kentucky

     transplanting trees and shrubs

Another suggestion is to contact the folks at the Duval County office of IFAS Cooperative Extension.

 

 

 

 

IFAS Extension  http://duval.ifas.ufl.edu/

 

More Trees Questions

Will magnolia roots damage foundation?
May 16, 2010 - We have a Magnolia tree planted in a 5 foot square with foundation on three sides and a side walk on the front. These are all over our block placed by the builder. Will this tree work in this area or ...
view the full question and answer

Fast growing shade tree for Canyon Lake, TX
November 02, 2012 - What is the best, fastest growing shade tree to plant in a residential yard about 1/2 block from the Guadelupe River in Sattler, Texas?
view the full question and answer

Large tree and smaller specimen tree for Austin, Texas
May 01, 2007 - We are in the process of removing two Silver Maples in our front yard planted by the previous owner of our house. We live close to the Wildflower Center and have very shallow soil on top of rock. We...
view the full question and answer

Blooms on Desert Willow withering quickly in Rockwall TX
July 15, 2010 - Why do the blooms on my Desert Willow dry up and wither away in one or two days?
view the full question and answer

Flaming sumacs in trouble in Wimberley TX
August 31, 2010 - I planted three flaming sumacs last fall and all leafed out this spring. Then, early this month all the leaves turned brown on one and it appears to have died. Today I noticed that a second one is d...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.