Trees dead or will they live - Ask Extension
I have 2 Japanese lilacs and 2 crab apple trees that have new branch growth. There are leaf buds throughout, but the buds are not bursting open or onl...
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Trees dead or will they live #752027
Asked May 25, 2021, 11:51 AM EDT
I have 2 Japanese lilacs and 2 crab apple trees that have new branch growth. There are leaf buds throughout, but the buds are not bursting open or only a few leaves just popped out recently and are growing very slowly. I'm thinking it's winter / cold stress. Are my trees dying? Can I save them? Will they come back next year?
Also I have a maple tree where 1/2 of the tree leafed out small and then the last few cold spells, those leaves seemed to stop growing. Other half of tree is doing just fine. Again is it savable? Should I worry about some disease throughout my trees?
Stearns County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello, happy to help.
I really think it's too early to think about diseases at this time for your Japanese lilacs and crabapple tree. There's time for them to leaf out.
Usually diseases of trees manifest in off color leaves, or branches with no leaves like possibly your maple. Can you tell me how long since your maple was planted? A total profile photo of it would help.
I really think it's too early to think about diseases at this time for your Japanese lilacs and crabapple tree. There's time for them to leaf out.
Usually diseases of trees manifest in off color leaves, or branches with no leaves like possibly your maple. Can you tell me how long since your maple was planted? A total profile photo of it would help.
Here are some pictures of the maple. Hope they help determine the issue. There used to be leave s but seems as though they fell off
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 4:48:28 PM
To: brnems <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Trees dead or will they live (#0021958)
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 4:48:28 PM
To: brnems <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Trees dead or will they live (#0021958)
Sorry, they were planted about 10 years ago. First year got chewed by rabbits as they were just about 1 foot high saplings. That is why I think there are so many trunks.
From: Emily Brent Seurer <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 8:55:54 AM
To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Trees dead or will they live (#0021958)
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 8:55:54 AM
To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Trees dead or will they live (#0021958)
Here are some pictures of the maple. Hope they help determine the issue. There used to be leave s but seems as though they fell off
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 4:48:28 PM
To: brnems <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Trees dead or will they live (#0021958)
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 4:48:28 PM
To: brnems <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Trees dead or will they live (#0021958)
Hello,
It looks to me like the roots are buried in that mulch and that presents the possibility that they have girdled the trunks. If that's the case, the tree would be unable to take up needed nutrients creating issues like chlorotic leaves and dying branches. Here is information about stem girdling so that you can decide for yourself whether to dig down to check if that's the case with your tree. I recommend the assistance of a certified arborist who can evaluate the entire tree for what ails it. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional.
It looks to me like the roots are buried in that mulch and that presents the possibility that they have girdled the trunks. If that's the case, the tree would be unable to take up needed nutrients creating issues like chlorotic leaves and dying branches. Here is information about stem girdling so that you can decide for yourself whether to dig down to check if that's the case with your tree. I recommend the assistance of a certified arborist who can evaluate the entire tree for what ails it. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional.
Good-luck!
