That is really frustrating! This is a surprisingly common problem but without a single solution.

There is usually an issue with the location of the plant that stems from one of the following problems:

• a leak in underground irrigation or a natural pooling of water under- or above-ground near the roots of that plant;
• a downspout or other water directing device near the plant base that is drowning the roots;
• proximity to a path, lawn or garden bed that is causing de-icing salt, weed 'n' feed or other chemical additives to affect the plant;
• dense soil that is creating a basin around the root ball that collects water and weakens the tree;
• or trees that are planted too closely and run into difficulty as they grow, struggling to compete for water and nutrition from the soil.

There are other possible problems as well and we would be happy to look at photos of the site and plants to see if we can be of more specific help if you get in touch with us by email: Plantinfo@NYBG.org.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service