Sweet. Pit apricot tree - Ask Extension
We have a sweet pit apricot tree for 20 years It looked great this spring now it has turned over out of the ground with the roots showing The r...
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Sweet. Pit apricot tree #321930
Asked May 15, 2016, 10:48 PM EDT
We have a sweet pit apricot tree for 20 years It looked great this spring now it has turned over out of the ground with the roots showing The rest of the trees are doing fine. We are wondering if it could be poisoned somehow It is well over 20 feet high or was Do you have any thoughts about what ever could've killed this tree so quickly
Sedgwick County Kansas
Expert Response
Hello,
Usually trees do not die quickly. The damage may have occurred months or even over a couple of years and the tree is just now showing the symptoms and dying. Even if there was an herbicide or other contaminant, it wouldn't have worked that quickly. If it was so far gone that the roots were starting to decay, such that the tree could fall over, it has probably been under stress for some time.
In addition, apricot trees are usually relatively short-lived trees in this part of Kansas. The age of the tree combined with the weather stress of the past few years could have had a cumulative effect.
If you would like to send pictures or bring in a sample to the Extension office here locally, we can see if there is a different diagnosis. Our office is located at 21st St. N and Ridge Rd. here in Wichita. You can email pictures to me at <personal data hidden>.
Usually trees do not die quickly. The damage may have occurred months or even over a couple of years and the tree is just now showing the symptoms and dying. Even if there was an herbicide or other contaminant, it wouldn't have worked that quickly. If it was so far gone that the roots were starting to decay, such that the tree could fall over, it has probably been under stress for some time.
In addition, apricot trees are usually relatively short-lived trees in this part of Kansas. The age of the tree combined with the weather stress of the past few years could have had a cumulative effect.
If you would like to send pictures or bring in a sample to the Extension office here locally, we can see if there is a different diagnosis. Our office is located at 21st St. N and Ridge Rd. here in Wichita. You can email pictures to me at <personal data hidden>.
