1. Not planting stock right away, allowing roots to dry out.

 

2. Too deep planting. And plant should be planted not more than an inch deeper than it stood in the nursey row. The earth mark may readily be seen on each plant.

 

3. Lack of moisture, especially during dry summer months. Plants should be watered frequently, especially in the first year.

 

4. TOO MUCH FERTILIZER. You can kill a plant with kindness. Never put a concentrated fertilizer in the hole with the plant and any place it can touch the roots unless the manufacturer specifies so.

 

5. Poor drainage. Evergeens thrive in a well drained soil and good subsoil.

 

6. Moisture stress in winter and summer due to drying winds, especially Rhododendron, Azelea, Dogwood, Holly, Hemlock, Fir, Serbian Spruce, and Red Cedar which are more sensitive than others.

 

7. Inadequate protection of small plants in summer. All seedlings and transplants under three years should be mulched in the fall with clippings, straw or leaves.

 

8. Injuries from dogs and cats. The cause of lower branches of smaller Evergreens turning brown and, in some cases killing the plant may be the result of dogs urinating on plants.

 

9. Salt spray from highways. Be sure to set plants far enough back from the street that they will not be splashed by salt spray.