Is My Locust Dead? - Ask Extension
Hello,
We have an
established Locust tree that has not produced leaves yet. Last week, I cut into
a leaf node and scraped a small twig, and thought I...
Knowledgebase
Is My Locust Dead? #252475
Asked June 08, 2015, 11:13 PM EDT
Hello,
We have an established Locust tree that has not produced leaves yet. Last week, I cut into a leaf node and scraped a small twig, and thought I saw some green in both areas. I am not sure if this tree is almost dead or completely dead. We experienced quite a bit of tree and shrub damage over this past winter and are concerned because this tree has not yet sprouted leaves. It has been slow to start in some past years but never this late.
I realize that time will reveal if this tree is completely dead; but if it is only almost dead can it be brought back, and what can I do to help it?
Steve Beatty
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Steve,
It is a great sign that there is green under the bark and around the buds. I would wait until the end of the month to see if your tree leafs out. It has been such a difficult winter and spring for trees and shrubs. If 60 percent or more of the tree has leaves by the end of the month you should be in good shape.
Dan
It is a great sign that there is green under the bark and around the buds. I would wait until the end of the month to see if your tree leafs out. It has been such a difficult winter and spring for trees and shrubs. If 60 percent or more of the tree has leaves by the end of the month you should be in good shape.
Dan
Dan,
Thanks for the response. First of all, is there anything I can do to help it along; and second, if it should leaf-out to any degree would it help to feed it with some Miracle Grow?
Steve
Thanks for the response. First of all, is there anything I can do to help it along; and second, if it should leaf-out to any degree would it help to feed it with some Miracle Grow?
Steve
Hi Steve,
We are not recommending any fertilization at this time. This is because you do not want to stimulate too much growth after such a stressful winter and spring. We are recommending continuing with typical watering patters and discouraging extra watering since it has been so wet. Over watering can lead to anaerobic conditions in the soil and stress the tree out event more.
Thank you.
We are not recommending any fertilization at this time. This is because you do not want to stimulate too much growth after such a stressful winter and spring. We are recommending continuing with typical watering patters and discouraging extra watering since it has been so wet. Over watering can lead to anaerobic conditions in the soil and stress the tree out event more.
Thank you.
