Knowledgebase

6 year old Linden tree not leafing out. #753657

Asked June 02, 2021, 10:44 PM EDT

I have a 5-6 year old linden tree in my  north facing front yard. The tree has bloomed all five of the years I’ve lived here, until this year. There are a few leaves, but it is June 1st and the tree is usually leafed out by now.

Larimer County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Randy,

While we're seeing slow leaf-out on some trees, most of the lindens I've seen are much further along. I have concerns about how the tree was planted and if it was planted too deep. With a tree that is six years old, we should be starting to see a flare at the base.

If you pull back the grass, do you see any flare? Lindens are notorious for having circling roots, which can affect the tree's health. If you feel comfortable, do some excavation.

You can still wait and see of course. Look at the buds and see if they are viable (green, plump) and if the twigs are still green.

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied June 03, 2021, 1:33 PM EDT
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Hello Dr. O’Connor,
Thank you for your response. The tree is doing better. I removed grass and there is a flare at the base of the trunk. 

At this point in the summer, July 8, I’m thinking about pruning back the branches that are still unproductive or are crisp when bending the end of the twigs. Some of these appear to be growing new branches, but they are not woody yet (see picture 3). Also, it seems to have two leader branches (or two branches that either could be a leader if the other was cut). One is more productive, but the other has some leaves so I hesitate to prune one off, and I’m concerned about topping the tree.

To prune or not to prune, that is the question. 

Thank you!
Randy Owens

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 3, 2021, at 11:33 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2021, 11:42 AM EDT

Hi Randy,

Good job on removing the turf...is there any way you can expand that mulch ring further out? It's best to keep the mulch off the base of the trunk, 6-12".

You can prune any dead branches, but you'll want to select a branch that can be trained as the new leader, or you'll have a linden shrub. I am not sure if any of the new growth is flexible enough to train? If it's still green and bendy, you can either use the existing leader and gently tie your selected new leader to the old one. Then you can prune out the other dead branches, making good pruning cuts--don't cut in the middle of a branch and always remove it to the next joint of the branch. Don't leave stubs!

If this seems like too much to take on, consult with a certified arborist who can do the pruning for you; it might be worth the expense, as they can properly shape the tree to set it up for better success: www.treesaregood.com 

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied July 08, 2021, 4:01 PM EDT

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