Sycamore - London Bloodgood Issue - Ask Extension
I have three Sycamore (London Bloodgood) trees that have been in the ground for about 10 years now. They are probably about 30' - 35' tall and spaced ...
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Sycamore - London Bloodgood Issue #243459
Asked May 11, 2015, 3:18 PM EDT
I have three Sycamore (London Bloodgood) trees that have been in the ground for about 10 years now. They are probably about 30' - 35' tall and spaced at about 20 yards apart from each other. One of the three started to leave and all the shoots have started browning. About 80% of the tree did not leave. I have never had any problems with these trees in the past. The tree is near a sump outlet, but has always been. In fact, this tree has generally grown fuller than the other two. The other two trees have come in fully with no issues and I don't see any other problems with this tree. I have attached three images for your review. You can see in the healthy trees in the background of two of the images. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
Although it is quite common for sycamore trees to contract a fungal disease in the spring time commonly known as 'anthracnose' as a result of which many leaves turn brown and fall off, your tree does not have the general appearance of having anthracnose and the conditions have not been as conducive to the disease this year.
We recommend that you examine the trunk carefully for any signs of insect activity, cankers (wet, dark areas on the bark), or physical wounds. Also, consider the root zone: has there been any change in the area around the root zone of the tree? For example, has the soil been compacted? Has there been any construction nearby? Is the tree heavily mulched? More than two or three inches of mulch can suffocate the roots. Has the drainage pattern in the area changed?
The thinning canopy suggests a problem with the vascular system, i.e., either the roots or the tissue immediately under the bark known as the cambium layer (the only living part of the trunk).
The only recommendation we can make beyond that would be to provide the tree with supplemental irrigation during dry periods and watch for re-emerging foliage.
At some point you can give the twigs and branches the 'thumb nail test'. Scratch a little bark off and observe the color of the underlying tissue. If brown or white, it is dead. If green, it is still alive and has a chance.
LS
We recommend that you examine the trunk carefully for any signs of insect activity, cankers (wet, dark areas on the bark), or physical wounds. Also, consider the root zone: has there been any change in the area around the root zone of the tree? For example, has the soil been compacted? Has there been any construction nearby? Is the tree heavily mulched? More than two or three inches of mulch can suffocate the roots. Has the drainage pattern in the area changed?
The thinning canopy suggests a problem with the vascular system, i.e., either the roots or the tissue immediately under the bark known as the cambium layer (the only living part of the trunk).
The only recommendation we can make beyond that would be to provide the tree with supplemental irrigation during dry periods and watch for re-emerging foliage.
At some point you can give the twigs and branches the 'thumb nail test'. Scratch a little bark off and observe the color of the underlying tissue. If brown or white, it is dead. If green, it is still alive and has a chance.
LS
