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Help me save my dying Contorted Filbert! #810332

Asked September 11, 2022, 3:11 PM EDT

Hello! We just moved into this house and there is a beautiful tree in the backyard that is dying. It's absolutely beautiful and unique and I'm heartbroken that it's dying. How can I save it? It still seems to be trying to sprout new leaves barely, but they don't look healthy. One of the pictures is a closeup of both some new leaves and some older leaves. The branches are dry and break off. Not sure if that's the case with all the branches or just some. It barely has any leaves. Probably more than 80% of the branches have no leaves. I've only watered it once. I don't know how often I should be watering it and for how long. The previous owner of the home said this about it: "It is a Contorted Filbert, and according to a landscape designer I consulted, it's one of the bigger ones they've seen. Unfortunately, they have a life span of around 30 years, and I believe we are well past that timeframe. I never had the heart to take it down especially with it still producing some green." If it is dying and there is no way to save it, do I have to have it removed or it can it just stay here with no risk to the property? We're in Italian Village/Short North area. Thank you very much for your help!

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi Arash
Yes, your beautiful tree is a contorted filbert. I too am saddened about loosing such a beautiful tree.  I have never seen nor heard of one so large.  
Unfortunately, the tree has exceeded both its years and size expectations and probably will not be able to be revived.  

I found the article below to help you decide if you should leave it or not.  
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree

I hope the above helps.  When I moved to the house I am in now, I left a beautiful contorted filbert in the side yard.  One of the first things I did was to call plant nurseries to find another one.  I planted my new one so I could see it everyday.  
I wish you the best in our decision and id you need anymore help on taking care of plants, Master Gardeners are here to help you!

Leslie
EMG
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 11, 2022, 7:20 PM EDT

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