I had a Burr Oak planted this January in Central Austin. After the initial daily watering period, I’ve been watering it consistently every 4–5 days when the soil dries out.
About two weeks after planting, we got hit with that hard January freeze. Since then, the tree hasn’t shown any signs of life—no buds, no swelling, no leaf-out.
I did the scratch test on multiple branches, and unfortunately everything underneath is brown and dry, which seems like a bad sign.
I’ve reached out to the nursery that installed it about a possible warranty replacement, but haven’t heard back yet.
To complicate timing, I have a turf replacement rebate through Austin Water that requires all planting to be completed by May 31—so I’m trying to figure out next steps quickly.
A few questions for those familiar with oaks here:
• Does this sound definitively dead, or is there any chance of recovery?
• If it needs to be replaced, is it okay to plant a new tree now, or is it risky this late in the season?
Thanks!
by Calm_Instruction1651
5 Comments
Crosspost to the arborist subreddit
The bark is shedding as well as no buds and leaf out. Even if the lower trunk or roots have survived, it will never be the cosmetically, beautiful tree you want, especially if the primary leader branch above is dead.
Your photo isn’t the best, but if the branches are also not passing the “scratch test” , I would think you should replace it.
Was it watered regularly? A lot of people think because its cold they dont need to water.
Pursue the warranty. I would wait to replant until Fall.
That’s pretty deep bark, so if you aren’t doing the scratch test with a good knife, you wont reach the cambium to check if its alive.
Most Bur Oaks are pretty far along right now, but sometimes trees do wierd stuff right after they get planted.
No buds is definitely not a great sign. I would grab the branches and bend them and see if they snap.
Who plants a tree in January??