Redbud declining - Ask Extension
For a few years, during the drought, my established Redbud tree has leaves that are smaller and more pale than usual. Squirrels had torn off a conside...
Knowledgebase
Redbud declining #867234
Asked May 06, 2024, 12:51 PM EDT
For a few years, during the drought, my established Redbud tree has leaves that are smaller and more pale than usual. Squirrels had torn off a considerable amount of bark (I saw them do it!) before this happened. There also are indented dark,long vertical areas on the trunk (canker?). I watered during the drought but not heavily. In spite of all this, the tree is slowly blooming this year.
Would giving the tree some fertilizer help it?
Thanks
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Giving it a slow release fertilizer would be fine but mulching under your tree to the drip line and watering deeply once a week will do more for it. Rain or hose for water but not to the point of making the soil soggy. Redbuds prefer slightly moist soil and extended hot and dry weather stresses them.
Squirrels stripping off bark is a big problem and very hard to control. Hopefully they won’t girdle the trunk or many branches.
Squirrels stripping off bark is a big problem and very hard to control. Hopefully they won’t girdle the trunk or many branches.
thank you so much - will do:)
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2024 10:31 AM
To: sharon-coombs <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Redbud declining (#0137155)
Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2024 10:31 AM
To: sharon-coombs <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Redbud declining (#0137155)
Happy Spring and hope your tree responds well.
