Serviceberry trees struggling - Ask Extension
Here in east-central Fort Collins, we have 3 serviceberry trees that I planted when me moved into our new house in 2006. They are definitely not thr...
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Serviceberry trees struggling #345862
Asked July 23, 2016, 2:33 PM EDT
Here in east-central Fort Collins, we have 3 serviceberry trees that I planted when me moved into our new house in 2006. They are definitely not thriving.
The attached picture shows the location. It is on the east side of our house (at left in first picture, looking north). There is a sidewalk running between the house and the trees (2nd picture, looking south). Our neighbor's 2-story house is to the east (morning shade). The trees are in the low spot between our two houses. There are shade plants underneath, and a sprinkler zone to water them. (I run it every 3 days during hot summer weather ... my wife will often supplement for certain plants using the hose.)
The trees never seem to have really grown out of their original planting holes. I say that because a couple of years ago (at least 5y after planting), a strong wind blowing between the 2 houses pushed 2 of the trees over by at least 30 degrees. (I pulled them back and staked them.) The north-most tree also has exhibited some vigorous suckering at times.
The first included picture shows the south-most tree. It looks the worst, but its 2 neighbors are not thriving either. This tree also shows signs of what appears to be sun-scald damage ... until now I've not wrapped the trunk, but I'll certainly consider doing so late this fall.
I've been sporadic in attempts to treat these trees, but am willing to try just about anything. (if it's not too late).
Is this likely an issue with the site (not well-drained-enough soil?), the soil, or ???
Can you recommend a qualified arborist? Should I have the soil tested?
Any ideas appreciated. I was attracted to these trees because them seemed to "fit" the space, would be attractive for birds, and provide something of a privacy screen between the houses. If it's determined the trees are doomed, not sure what I would do by way of replacement planting.
The attached picture shows the location. It is on the east side of our house (at left in first picture, looking north). There is a sidewalk running between the house and the trees (2nd picture, looking south). Our neighbor's 2-story house is to the east (morning shade). The trees are in the low spot between our two houses. There are shade plants underneath, and a sprinkler zone to water them. (I run it every 3 days during hot summer weather ... my wife will often supplement for certain plants using the hose.)
The trees never seem to have really grown out of their original planting holes. I say that because a couple of years ago (at least 5y after planting), a strong wind blowing between the 2 houses pushed 2 of the trees over by at least 30 degrees. (I pulled them back and staked them.) The north-most tree also has exhibited some vigorous suckering at times.
The first included picture shows the south-most tree. It looks the worst, but its 2 neighbors are not thriving either. This tree also shows signs of what appears to be sun-scald damage ... until now I've not wrapped the trunk, but I'll certainly consider doing so late this fall.
I've been sporadic in attempts to treat these trees, but am willing to try just about anything. (if it's not too late).
Is this likely an issue with the site (not well-drained-enough soil?), the soil, or ???
Can you recommend a qualified arborist? Should I have the soil tested?
Any ideas appreciated. I was attracted to these trees because them seemed to "fit" the space, would be attractive for birds, and provide something of a privacy screen between the houses. If it's determined the trees are doomed, not sure what I would do by way of replacement planting.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
The trees are exhibiting signs of pretty severe iron chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins). This is a common problem in our high pH soils with some species of trees, but it isn't usually something I see on serviceberry. That said, iron chlorosis can occur due to high pH, overwatering, salty soils and trees with root problems (where the roots aren't functioning properly to absorb the proper water/nutrients).
Also, you may be overwatering the trees....running the drip three times a week (plus supplemental irrigation) may be too much. Have you ever stuck your finger in the soil to determine if it's too wet? Serviceberry are an understory tree, but may not need as much water as you're providing.
But really, I think it comes down to a root issue. When the trees were planted, was the burlap and wire removed? Were they from a plastic container? Since the trees do seem to have root issues (blowing over, suckering), it leads me to believe that the root system is compromised. Also, it could be that the trees were planted too deeply.
What may be best is for you to consider getting a Tree Team visit from a Master Gardener through Larimer County Extension. We offer this service at a rate of $25/hour and do visits throughout all of Larimer County. If you would like to consider booking a visit, please email me your address (including Zip code) and phone number: <personal data hidden>
Sometimes a site visit is best to determine what may be the cause(s) of the various issues you're seeing. Thanks!
The trees are exhibiting signs of pretty severe iron chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins). This is a common problem in our high pH soils with some species of trees, but it isn't usually something I see on serviceberry. That said, iron chlorosis can occur due to high pH, overwatering, salty soils and trees with root problems (where the roots aren't functioning properly to absorb the proper water/nutrients).
Also, you may be overwatering the trees....running the drip three times a week (plus supplemental irrigation) may be too much. Have you ever stuck your finger in the soil to determine if it's too wet? Serviceberry are an understory tree, but may not need as much water as you're providing.
But really, I think it comes down to a root issue. When the trees were planted, was the burlap and wire removed? Were they from a plastic container? Since the trees do seem to have root issues (blowing over, suckering), it leads me to believe that the root system is compromised. Also, it could be that the trees were planted too deeply.
What may be best is for you to consider getting a Tree Team visit from a Master Gardener through Larimer County Extension. We offer this service at a rate of $25/hour and do visits throughout all of Larimer County. If you would like to consider booking a visit, please email me your address (including Zip code) and phone number: <personal data hidden>
Sometimes a site visit is best to determine what may be the cause(s) of the various issues you're seeing. Thanks!
