New and Unread Tree-Mails
Views: 135, Replies: 7 » Jump to the end |
Ocala, FL  genevakeith Mar 18, 2018 11:34 AM CST |
| Hi all, I am brand new here and know pretty much nothing about trees. I was wondering if you all could help me identify this tree and its problem, and tell me if it's possible to save it? My boyfriend is convinced it is dead, however a little part of it blooms every year, so part of it must be holding on? Does anyone know what we can do to try to save it, if anything? Is the moss (Spanish moss?) probably what killed it/is killing it? Can it be reversed? FYI we live in North Central Florida. Thank you so much in advance for your knowledge and advice!    |
Name: Porkpal Richmond, TX          porkpal Mar 18, 2018 11:51 AM CST |
| Perhaps an old Red Bud tree? I am not sure it can be "saved", but if you cut off the dead branches it will look better for how ever long it manages to keep living. Porkpal |
Name: Lin Florida Zone 9b, 10a            plantladylin Mar 18, 2018 3:27 PM CST |
| I can't see the leaves clearly but check out some of these images of Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) for comparison. If it is Redbud, you should see blooms before long. Another possibility might be Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) ~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot! ~ |
Name: Lin Florida Zone 9b, 10a plantladylin Mar 18, 2018 3:31 PM CST |
| I forgot to ask what size and color are the blooms and what time of the year do you usually see flowers? I doubt the Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) caused any damage; spanish moss doesn't take nutrients from the tree and would have to be extremely thick to shade out any light, etc. ~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot! ~ |
Name: Daisy I Reno, Nv (Zone 6b) Not all who wander are lost   DaisyI Mar 18, 2018 4:09 PM CST |
| The biggest problem is a disconnect between the roots and the canopy because of the damage to the trunk. Its hard to say what damaged the trunk though, as I see no signs of borers or other pests. Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost Webmaster: osnnv.org |
Name: Sally central Maryland Seriously addicted to kettle chips.        sallyg Mar 18, 2018 6:08 PM CST |
| I think it's an old Redbud (Cercis), from the leaves and one set of last years pods on the branch. Obviously in really bad shape. Nothing will make the dead wood come back to life, so my vote is take it out. I am not against keeping a mostly dead tree in the backyard or woods, for woodpecker food, but in your front yard, I think you'll feel better about your place if you take this out. There are nice, new cultivars of Redbud with interesting leaf colors as well as the bloom. ..come into the peace of wild things..-Wendell Berry Life is a buffet (anon) |
Name: Lin Florida Zone 9b, 10a plantladylin Mar 18, 2018 6:48 PM CST |
sallyg said:I think it's an old Redbud (Cercis), from the leaves and one set of last years pods on the branch. Good eye @sallyg  I see those pods now in the second picture and they do look like the dried seedpods of the Eastern Redbud! ~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot! ~ |
Name: Lee-Roy Bilzen, Belgium (Zone 8a)       Arico Mar 19, 2018 1:29 AM CST |
| It's certainly alive, but not in the best shape. The larger part is dead and needs to be cut for safety, aesthetics and health of the tree. In my mind though it will never develop a balanced canopy, so you're better off cutting it down and plant another tree. |
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