Buckeye Tree Health - Ask Extension
I have a buckeye tree that does not look healthy. It has barely any leaves on it, though the leaves themselves are a vibrant green and healthy looking...
Knowledgebase
Buckeye Tree Health #865990
Asked April 26, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
I have a buckeye tree that does not look healthy. It has barely any leaves on it, though the leaves themselves are a vibrant green and healthy looking. I spread blood meal at the base of the tree, potting soil, and then black mulch on top. That did not seem to improve the condition of the tree.
Union County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello!
Thank you for writing. Sorry to hear that you believe your tree is not doing well.
How old is the tree? How long has it been in your landscape? Have there been more leaves/has it been fuller in past years? You stated that your leaves look healthy; this would indicate that your tree doesn't have insect or disease issues. Have you done a soil test to determine what nutrients your soil might need?
A couple of things I see: Buckeyes prefer shady areas - at least for a part of the day. This tree looks to be in full sun. This could be why it's struggling. Buckeyes prefer moist, but not wet, well-drained soil. They also prefer non-compacted soil.
Here is a link to soil test: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
Here are some links that should help you learn more about the tree and how to care for it:
https://senr.osu.edu/news/ohio-state-fans-7-things-know-about-growing-ohio-buckeye-tree
https://www.osu.edu/impact/life-at-ohio-state/growing-buckeye-trees
https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/broad-leaf-trees/Ohio-Buckeye-Aesculus-glabra
https://www.uky.edu/hort/Ohio-Buckeye
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aesculus-glabra/
I hope this helps!
Thank you for writing. Sorry to hear that you believe your tree is not doing well.
How old is the tree? How long has it been in your landscape? Have there been more leaves/has it been fuller in past years? You stated that your leaves look healthy; this would indicate that your tree doesn't have insect or disease issues. Have you done a soil test to determine what nutrients your soil might need?
A couple of things I see: Buckeyes prefer shady areas - at least for a part of the day. This tree looks to be in full sun. This could be why it's struggling. Buckeyes prefer moist, but not wet, well-drained soil. They also prefer non-compacted soil.
Here is a link to soil test: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
Here are some links that should help you learn more about the tree and how to care for it:
https://senr.osu.edu/news/ohio-state-fans-7-things-know-about-growing-ohio-buckeye-tree
https://www.osu.edu/impact/life-at-ohio-state/growing-buckeye-trees
https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/broad-leaf-trees/Ohio-Buckeye-Aesculus-glabra
https://www.uky.edu/hort/Ohio-Buckeye
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aesculus-glabra/
I hope this helps!
