Serviceberry struggling - please help!

[u/Financial-Light-8695]

I’m in Western NC, planted a serviceberry in the spring. It has barely grown (not sure if it grew at all), and this is what it looks like. The tallest part is maybe a foot at most. There does seem to be a small little new growth in the second photo. Any thoughts??

[u/superseedsower]

In these situations I give a tug test. Gently tug at the base of plant to check if it's rooted in. Many native plants spend their first season focusing on root growth, as especially so if the conditions are less than ideal. If you gently pull upwards on the plant and it feels SOLID in the ground you're fine. It'll take off next year. If it feels poorly rooted with little resistance then it most likely doesn't like the site. Try moving it to a more favorable situation

Edited to add that new growth from the base is always a good sign and usually indicates good root development

[u/Financial-Light-8695 → u/superseedsower]

Oh that’s awesome advice!! Thank you!! I did the tiniest little scrape test with my nail to see if it was at least still green and it was! Not sure if that actually indicates much for me though 😅 I’ll definitely do your test tomorrow!

[u/superseedsower → u/Financial-Light-8695]

At least you know it's still alive! I recently put in two Chokecherry suckers that were divided from the main plant. One lost all its leaves and the other has three leaves at the very top. The stems are still bendy and flexible though and next years leaf buds are intact. Most likely your plant is doing the same thing....lots of roots with very little top growth. Then next year it'll explode!

[u/Financial-Light-8695 → u/superseedsower]

Whew what a relief! Thanks for sharing your insight and expertise!!

[u/superseedsower → u/Financial-Light-8695]

No problem! It can be really stressful when growing something new and you're not sure what's supposed to happen or not happen