I transplanted a 12" sweet gum from South Carolina to my yard in North Texas July 2006. It has really struggled apparently. It gets plenty of water and yet the tree is only about 38 inches tall in September of 2008. There was more vertical growth this year than ever but it still seems much too slow of growth compared to what I have seen others do. I have added an acidic mulch to moderate our naturally alkaline soils and feed it with a Miracle Gro solution approximately 3 months. Spring growth activity is strong, but late summer leaves appear burnt on edges and increased water frequency does not stimulate. Any help would be appreciated. Bob in Texas - just north of Fort Worth ... View related article.
