Native Plants

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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

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
Removing and replacing juniper bushes
June 20, 2008 - Hi! I'm pulling up juniper bushes. (just don't like it)
I'm getting down to the roots now on one side and I'm having a hard time getting them up. Any recommendations. They are near my drive...
view the full question and answer
Pruning guidance for Carolina buckthorn from Houston
October 23, 2012 - I have a Carolina Buckthorn in my back patio that I planted in fall 2001. The summer of 2003 the roofers dropped something off the back and broke the top 10-12 inches off. I have tried to train the la...
view the full question and answer
January good time to plant live oak in January from Manor TX
January 19, 2014 - I want to plant a Live Oak in January. Is this a good time to plant it?
view the full question and answer
Tree with tap root for small area near Dallas
September 07, 2009 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live in Coppell, TX (a suburb of Dallas) & am looking for a tree to plant near our pool to provide some shade. The current tree (a silver leaf maple) is dying. My husband thi...
view the full question and answer
Replanting a Desert Willow
February 07, 2016 - My desert willow was damaged badly in a winter storm and had to be taken down. Do I need to remove the old root system below grade when I plant a new desert willow?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |