Mystery Mesquite die-back - Ask Extension
I have an established Mesquite that is dieing back. Most of its small and medium diameter branches are dead, but a few here and there are alive at any...
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Mystery Mesquite die-back #242856
Asked May 08, 2015, 10:13 PM EDT
I have an established Mesquite that is dieing back. Most of its small and medium diameter branches are dead, but a few here and there are alive at any one time. Those grow vigorously, flower, produce pods like normal branches but usually die after a few months of growth. More new branches then grow in random places so the tree stays a bit green. Overall the tree is losing ground.
Of hundreds of mesquites at the nearby wash, no other one looks like it shares a common problem with this one. A few others were lost to insects so I tried treating the soil around it with a pyrethroid, and a systemic insecticide, but to no effect. I do water this tree a few time a year with a deep soak in a manner that helps other mesquites.
What is this disease, and how can I rescue this tree?
Of hundreds of mesquites at the nearby wash, no other one looks like it shares a common problem with this one. A few others were lost to insects so I tried treating the soil around it with a pyrethroid, and a systemic insecticide, but to no effect. I do water this tree a few time a year with a deep soak in a manner that helps other mesquites.
What is this disease, and how can I rescue this tree?
Pima County Arizona
Expert Response
Hi,
Do you know how old this tree might be? Has there been any disturbance to the soil in the area of the tree? A photo of the whole tree with some of the surrounding landscape would be helpful in diagnosing the problem.
Peter
Do you know how old this tree might be? Has there been any disturbance to the soil in the area of the tree? A photo of the whole tree with some of the surrounding landscape would be helpful in diagnosing the problem.
Peter
Mystery Mesquite die-back - further info and pictures.
The tree had the rough bark of an old mesquite 8 years ago. I think it is 25+ years old.
There are numerous older and younger mesquites in the vicinity, none of which appear like this one.
The location is up against a patio wall and adjacent to an alley.
Its soil was likely disturbed 9 years ago due to alley grading, but not afterwards. Trucks have compacted the soil 3 feet from the tree on the alley side.
Nearby plants on the alley side are Mesquites, Blues, a small Catclaw Acacia, and Bursages. Across the wall are roses, an Ash, Texas Rangers, and a Feather Acacia. The adjacent trees are not shading the sick tree much because it is taller.
Hi again,
This is a difficult situation for the tree: up against a wall with compacted soil and potential root zone disturbance in the past. We say that trees never die of one thing unless it is a chainsaw so it is likely this tree is succumbing to a complex of issues including the ones you mentioned. I suspect it would be hard to repair the situation so you might consider replacing the tree with another in the fall when planting time is best.
Peter
This is a difficult situation for the tree: up against a wall with compacted soil and potential root zone disturbance in the past. We say that trees never die of one thing unless it is a chainsaw so it is likely this tree is succumbing to a complex of issues including the ones you mentioned. I suspect it would be hard to repair the situation so you might consider replacing the tree with another in the fall when planting time is best.
Peter
I think some additional factor is being overlooked. Conditions for this tree are certainly not ideal, but out of hundreds of Mesquites in the area, this one has a unique problem. All noted impacts on this tree are worse for many others, singly or in combination without similar results. Few other nearby mesquites "have it better".
I don't want to give up on this tree. Can you suggest other possibilities to investigate. Perhaps parasite or infectious diseases?
Thank you
Hi again,
Are you local to my office? I might be able to visit the tree to get a better understanding of the situation. I have some time later this week if that works for you. Just send me your address and some good times to meet. My email address is <personal data hidden>. Thanks.
Peter
Are you local to my office? I might be able to visit the tree to get a better understanding of the situation. I have some time later this week if that works for you. Just send me your address and some good times to meet. My email address is <personal data hidden>. Thanks.
Peter
