Start by removing all moss, leaves and other detritus from the top of the soil. These things can cause the soil to shed water rather than absorb it.

Next, make holes in the soil 1/2″ to 2″ in size depending on the size of the pot. Start by making a cone shaped hole with a sharp chopstick, gradually making it into a cylinder shape all the way to the bottom of the pot. Fill with well-draining soil with lots of pumice in it.

Tip the pot up on one side with a small wedge. leave it this way for a week or so, then tip the other side up the same way and lower the first side.

Cover the top of the soil with a sheet of plastic, but leave it loose on the edge so air can get in. Leave the plastic on when the rains lnger for more than a day. Then remove it and let the air get at the soil surface. When the rains start again do the same thing until you can use the first two or three techniques listed above.

If the soil is really wet and stays that way for a couple days, then more drastic steps are necessary. The tree may need to be repotted even out of season or you may lose it to root rot. Take the tree out of the pot and carefully remove most of the soil. If it is not in good soil to begin with remove all the soil. Cut away the rotten roots or black roots. The bad roots will be slimy. If a lot of root material must be removed the tree may need stabilization. This can be done by using split bamboo pieces or soft chopsticks to wedge over the root mass. Then tie in securely and fill the pot with well draining soil. (Larger pieces and more pumice). Chop in well and put the tree in a protected spot, but not in the dark.

This last procedure is only done when very necessary, because it will be a great shock to the tree, but it is better than losing the tree.  if the tree remains sickly looking after repotting do not feed it for several months.  If the foliage remains pale or yellowish apply a very light application of iron sulfate.

Poor drainage conditions are the result of too many fine particles or too much organic material in the soil which has broken down.  Remember the tree roots want fresh air more than water (80% to 20%).

Organic material is usually fine or the more coarse stuff will break down quickly and tend to clog the drainage holes and pathways inside the pot.  Water the tree sparingly but thoroughly every other day, making sure soil is damp but not wet.  When strong growth appears resume feeding, beginning with light feeding and progressing to regular feeding until the tree has recovered.

Poor drainage is common in trees bought in gallon or five-gallon containers from nurseries.  When buying a tree look at the soil and the top roots; this will tell you right away if the tree is healthy.

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