you could try mixing an inorganic component in that area of the grow bed to see if the tree improves. Just a quick transplant no root cutting, take some pumice or granite grit and mix under and around to improve drainage and lessen moisture retention in that area. If under automatic irrigation, or just water that section less often than the rest. Good cheap alternate for inorganic is #3 0r #4 turkey grit if pumice is not available.
Never heard of Turkey grit. I'm sure my whole bed could benefit from some non-organic like this.
Sometimes the product is similar to chicken grit, difference being the particle size. The birds use it for digestion picking the small stones to help grind seeds in their crop. Look for the granite grit as opposed to limestone type product. Choose the darker neutral coloured product over the black and white is simplest way to tell. The other economical alternative is the coarse sand or grit sold by well drilling companies. This product is often sold by aquarium stores for bulk aquarium gravel. Neutral in color, PH neutral and good particle size with rough uneven structure. Downside is the weight when using in containers.
Ontario has heavy amount of granite rock . Search your area . Rock quarry. Landscape suppliers .and such . I have used crushed red granite in bonsai soil . The problem is finding it crushed ( it needs to be profitable ) normally it’s sold for its unique colours ( red or black ) unfortunately lost my source will have to find new . But buy the yard of product it’s very cheap . Very hard rock rough shaped and almost indestructible . Next . My latest find is product sold as winter enviro traction product . Lava grip . ( home hardware in Ontario ) it’s crushed black pumice very hard to source here . But more money . Great for bonsai soil but may be to much for a grow bed . Last I’m looking at the black rubber products . Sold as permanent mulch . There mostly ground up tires . For a grow bed . There going to add a lot of aeration . Considered plant friendly I’m having trouble seeing a down side . But I have not tried yet . ( studies have shown tires used as fish spawning beds for example in water leach chemicals so slowly into the enviro that there is negligible effect )
Ohh I'm aware of lava grip. I've bought a lot of it but it's still a bit too expensive to but in 5 8' x 2' grow beds. I'll look into the granite though.
Frank, I fed the tree with the Dyna Gro Pro, We'll see how it goes. It will be hard to know for sure as spring is here and last year it greened up during the growing season anyways. It's already greener than when I took that picture.
Your situation is very different. I would suggest once per month and monitor the effects. The organic content will retain more of the fertilizer and cause a faster build up of salts. Therefore I would possibly use 1/2 strength once a month to begin with. It will be more difficult to flush excess in organic mix.
