Redbud tree exposed to mortar rinse water - Ask Extension
The tile installers rinsed their mortar buckets at the base of my Merlot Redbud tree. This happened last Thursday and I found it that evening. I remov...
Knowledgebase
Redbud tree exposed to mortar rinse water #935671
Asked June 15, 2026, 11:56 PM EDT
The tile installers rinsed their mortar buckets at the base of my Merlot Redbud tree. This happened last Thursday and I found it that evening. I removed all the muddy mortar and soil that looked affected and then soaked the root zone for 30 minutes. Today, the Redbud looked a bit droopy and I'm unsure if its from the heat or the mortar water. I soaked the root zone again this afternoon for another 30-45 minutes. The tree has good drainage. Tonight many of the leaves look as though they're trying to fold in half. Should I acidify? And with what? This tree is a focal point of our backyard and patio and is 6 years old, well established and large. I would be heartbroken to lose this tree!
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
Redbuds will often respond to high temperatures and stress by folding their leaves. Unfortunately it doesn't "go back" to the way it was during the growing season, however, the tree isn't permanently damaged. This response to high temperature is likely what you are seeing.
It's hard to say if the rinsing of the mortar on the tree will have a negative affect, the trees prefer neutral pH, and our soils in the WV are often more on the acidic side, so it may not be problematic. I don't think you would see a change in your pH immediately, but if you wanted to test your soil for pH (and maybe other nutrients as well?) you could do so in the next couple months to see if there is anything to be concerned about. Your local extension office can give you a list of labs if this is of interest.
Thank you for using Ask Extension!
Redbuds will often respond to high temperatures and stress by folding their leaves. Unfortunately it doesn't "go back" to the way it was during the growing season, however, the tree isn't permanently damaged. This response to high temperature is likely what you are seeing.
It's hard to say if the rinsing of the mortar on the tree will have a negative affect, the trees prefer neutral pH, and our soils in the WV are often more on the acidic side, so it may not be problematic. I don't think you would see a change in your pH immediately, but if you wanted to test your soil for pH (and maybe other nutrients as well?) you could do so in the next couple months to see if there is anything to be concerned about. Your local extension office can give you a list of labs if this is of interest.
Thank you for using Ask Extension!
