Weeping Cherry Tree Has Brown Leaves

We planted a weeping cherry a couple of months ago and are watching it die. The leaves are browning and the branches are empty where the leaves have already died. About 1/2 of the tree looks like this. I've read about shock, fungus, etc. and they all say to trim back the dead branches. The problem is, this would leave me half of a tree. It's only about 6 ft tall now, faces southeast for morning sun, clay soil, and average drainage. Any help would be appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Teresa from Woodstock, IL

Answers:

Weeping Cherry Tree Has Brown Leaves

I planted 2 of these trees only to have them both die. It turns out the spot I planted them in was way too wet and they drowned. Even though the ground looked dry, the hole would fill with water as it did not drain well due to our clayish soil. You might check yours for too much water.
(06/24/2008)

By Barbara Kamm

Weeping Cherry Tree Has Brown Leaves

We live in the middle of a small orchard that my husband and I planted. We've had all kinds of challenges with our trees.

Get yourself a 5 gallon plastic bucket (a fast food place might even give you one). Ask for an empty pickle bucket. About an inch and a half from the bottom, drill a 1/16th inch hole. Set the bucket by the tree and fill it with water.

Once a week with average rainfall and up to three times a week during particularly hot times.

Good luck!
(06/25/2008)

By Sarah Leach

Weeping Cherry Tree Has Brown Leaves

Give your tree 15 gallons of water each week. Put a plastic bag in a bucket and poke a small hole in it for a slow drip, or use a hose with very low amounts of water to reach the roots. (09/27/2008)

By Tom