Viewing post #1699640 by Hamwild

Frillylily said:how long ago did the prev owners cut around it? If it was recently (to plant flowers around it to impress potential buyers) that is likely the problem. They cut around it damaging so many roots that it doesn't stand a chance now. It will probably have so much die back that it won't ever look right. These are inexpensive and grow fast. If it were mine, I'd pull it out and start a new one.

Honestly, I'm not sure! The "current" google maps image of our home shows a really full leafed tree and no garden bed around it (which, I see a for sale sign out by the road, so it must have been before the previous owners purchased the home in 2012). So, anywhere between 2012-2017. That would be a relief if it's just damage from that, as I'd love to put a Japanese Maple there one day, but they are also prone to verticullum wilt, so I wanted to rule that out as a cause (hence asking on here).

for the input!