Can you identify this tree? - Ask Extension
A few months ago we submitted a question regarding a tree at a new (circa 1882) house we just moved into. The tree had no leaves on it when all othe...
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Can you identify this tree? #255420
Asked June 19, 2015, 10:36 AM EDT
A few months ago we submitted a question regarding a tree at a new (circa 1882) house we just moved into. The tree had no leaves on it when all other trees in the yard did so. After reviewing images of the tree, the expert initially suggested cutting down the diseased/dead tree. Upon further consultation it was recommended to wait and see if it came back to life. Upon returning this week from an extended vacation, a third of the tree has leafed out. We really want to know what type of tree it is. Is worth retaining? Can we can remove all of the dead growth at this time?
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
The leaves look like Catalpa tree leaves. The dead branches do not resemble a catalpa however so I'm wondering if maybe you have two trees that have grown so closely together that they appear to be one tree. Also Catalpa is in blossom right now in most parts of Michigan and yours is not in blossom. You can remove the dead branches or have a registered Arborist do it at this time of the year. There shouldn't be any danger in pruning right now. At that point you find whether or not you have two trees or not.
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Thank you for using the Ask an Expert System.
Jim,
Thank you for the information. It is one tree and not two. The original discussion we had with a specialist a few months back indicated grafting had taken place. It is amazing the different species of trees (hickory, oak, maple, smoke, etc.) we are identifying on our small city lot.
Thank you again.
Tom
Thank you for the information. It is one tree and not two. The original discussion we had with a specialist a few months back indicated grafting had taken place. It is amazing the different species of trees (hickory, oak, maple, smoke, etc.) we are identifying on our small city lot.
Thank you again.
Tom
Thanks for clarifying the issue for me. It sure didn't look like Catalpa tree forms that I was familiar with in our urban landscapes. Good luck with the tree.
