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Several months ago, I planted three cherry trees, one in the front garden, one in the back and one in a container in the house. The one in the front has really struggled, whereas, predictably, the one I kept inside has flourished. Four days ago, I dug up the one in the front garden and swapped it with the one I grew inside. I notice today on the one I moved outside that some of the leaves have gone pale, almost white, and flimsy. What does this mean? I've watered it regularly, every three days or so, but maybe not in great enough volume. We have had some rain, but also some very hot weather in the last 48 hours. I live in the UK.

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  • Could you perhaps post some photos of the cherry tree? Perhaps uploading them to an image site and linking them here?
    – wax eagle
    Jun 5, 2013 at 13:59
  • Did you move the indoor tree straight into the garden, or did you give it some time to get acclimatized to conditions outdoors? How much water are you giving it? Young trees need lots of water until they're established (the information I have says 12-15 gallons per week, so 50-60L).
    – Niall C.
    Jun 5, 2013 at 14:10
  • I moved it straight outside, which seems a bit stupid now you mention it, Niall. And I've maybe given it 15-20 litres of water. I better get watering, hope it's not too late. I've only had a garden for a couple of months, I'm making it up as I go along....
    – mstrwvr
    Jun 5, 2013 at 15:46
  • I'll try and upload an image.
    – mstrwvr
    Jun 5, 2013 at 15:47

1 Answer 1

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As already mentioned, you needed to harden it off before transferring outside, especially this year in the UK when we've had the equivalent of winter temperatures up until the last couple of days. It's still cold at night as well, so its transition shock. You do need to make sure the tree gets a good water supply (this applies to any newly planted tree, especially if planted any time other than late autumn/winter) at least once a week of a good few gallons. You'll probably find the leaves fall off, but new ones should appear once the plant has acclimatized.

UPDATE: Giving it a good soak every 5 or 6 days, maybe by leaving the hose trickling at the base for an hour or so, or with several gallons of water from a can, is much better than frequent, lesser waterings. You want the plant to put out its own water seeking roots deep into the ground, and a small amount of water 3 or 4 times a week from the owner means the plant tends to form these nearer the surface.

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  • So, is it better to deliver a large amount of water once a week, or smaller increments 2 or 3 times a week?
    – mstrwvr
    Jun 5, 2013 at 20:26

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