Moving a Red Chokeberry Plant

Question: I planted a beautiful red chokeberry plant this spring but it is starting to look sad. I wonder if it is too shady - it is under an oak tree. Is it too late to move it - considering it is mid June and a heatwave is scheduled for next week? Should I just douse it in water? I am afraid it might die.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon Christine,  Thanks for your questions. How many hours of sun do you think it gets each day under the oak tree? University of Maryland notes that it can tolerate full sun (6+ hours per day) to partial shade (4-6 hrs per day) so if it's getting less than that, you might possibly be right that it might need to be relocated.  My other thought is that it could be a watering issue. How much/how often have you been watering? It's possible that it may just need extra water this time of year given that it was just planted this spring (so the root system isn't very robust just yet) and that it has been quite hot and dry this month, so that could be a core issue as well.  In the meantime, I do think your instinct not to move it at the current moment in time is good, given the intense heatwave we're experiencing right now. I would recommend erring on the side of ample water for the next couple of weeks and re-evaluating whether it may be a sun issue, a water issue, or something else.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/red-chokeberry/ Best wishes,  Rebecca

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 3:56 PM EDT
response: Hi Rebecca, I think you are exactly right. I have not been watering it enough and I am hoping that will make a difference. I watched more carefully and it is probably getting 4 hours of sun every day. It was doing well before we had such a reduction in rain and even has little berries. I have started watering it every morning.  I hope I haven't let it go too far - I don't think so! I have a black chokecherry I planted last spring that is doing well.  I watered it a lot.  Thank you so much. This is the second time I have contacted the extension and you all are fabulous!  Chris    On Thu, Jun 20, 2024, 3:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 4:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Chris,  We are happy to help!  Excellent move to water more during these drier periods!  Probably can taper frequency to one good soak every week.  Although it is hard to miss out on the beauty of fruit, suggest removing the fruit to reduce stress on the plant this year, or at least most of it. Advise against heavy pruning, but could remove any dead branches.  Mulching the soil around the tree, (but not actually up against the bark) will help hold moisture and possibly even offer a little protection from high heat. Actually, the shade is helpful in periods of high temperatures. Agree that summer isn’t a good time to move the tree.  Please keep us posted, we want this little tree to recover and grow, too! Kate

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 4:58 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!  On Thu, Jun 20, 2024, 4:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 21, 2024, 12:52 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. Enjoy your weekend.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 1:49 PM EDT
response: You too! I really appreciate your help. I removed all the berries last night. I discovered a baby rabbit in our yard yesterday - not sure if there is any connection!  Chris   On Fri, Jun 21, 2024, 12:52 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: