DIY Network

We have new tree that was planted by our builder two years ago. It never looked like the healthiest tree, especially judging from the skimpy blooms (despite the fact that we have fed the tree regularly and pruned). This summer it looks quite unhealthy. There are lush branches growing at the bottom of the tree but the very top has almost no leaves at all. The leaves have been eaten up in the past month by beetles, but we put up traps and I think that is unrelated.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to rescue this tree? Thank you!
~S

Here's another pic that shows the odd growth of healthy branches that grow at the bottom. I have pruned the top at least a couple times, but still no healthy growth at the top.

Another of the top

Hi Saminats,

It appears there is alot going on with your tree. The pictures are too small for me to clearly see certain things, such as the base where the trunk meets the mulch/soil to see if it's planted too deeply or if there are circling aka girdling roots.

Generally when there is death or defoilation of limbs in the top of the crown of newly planted trees (within 2 to 3 years), the tree has been planted too deep or it's rootbound and can't take up the water it needs.

Newly planted trees should NOT be pruned for two years or more and NOT be fertilized for at least 6 months, if ever. The trees need all their leaves to produce food for the tree. Fertilizer spikes tend to burn tender roots, especially if they are put in the soil too close to the trunk. A soil test at your local extension service would tell you if you need to fertilize. Ornamental cherries should only be pruned in July or August.

The stakes should have been removed within one year after planting.
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/staking.html


The growth at the base are suckers and can often be stimulated from pruning, though ornamental cherries are prone to suckers. These should be pruned off in early summer for most trees (July & August for cherry) when growth slows down, and CAN be pruned the first season the tree is planted.
http://www.emerysgarden.com/infosheets/trees_pruning.htm

I would love for you to prune the suckers off and take some larger pics of the base of your tree. If it looks like a telephone where it meets the ground and there is no flare, then it's planted too deep.
http://www.mortonarb.org/deeptreeroots/index.html
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WO017
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02926.html
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/trees_turf.aspx
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx

This site has lots of clickable links so you can examine the rootflare and look for stem girdling roots.
http://www1.br.cc.va.us/murray/Arboriculture/TreeCare10...lar_exam/default.htm

The first thing to do is remove the stakes and examine the trunk to see if it's been damaged from the wires and then prune off the suckers. Then look at the base to see if it's planted too deep. If it's not planted too deep, remove some of the mulch and soil to see if there are girdling roots.

Newt