Forest pansy redbud missing leaves - Ask Extension
We planted this tree last may. This year the leaves are slowly coming in but on top branches only. Flowers were minimal too. The lower branches have s...
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Forest pansy redbud missing leaves #868128
Asked May 12, 2024, 9:58 PM EDT
We planted this tree last may. This year the leaves are slowly coming in but on top branches only. Flowers were minimal too. The lower branches have some small spider web like stuff on them. The second picture shows the small growth on some of lower branches. I don’t see evidence of bugs beyond the webs
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for contacting Ask Extension with your question about your RedBud. I'm sorry your young tree is looking so stressed. I have a few questions that will help me determine what we can do for your tree. Can you describe how you planted the tree last May and what your irrigation schedule was over the summer? What type of soil is it in and how is the drainage? Did you fertilize the tree? From the picture it looks like it is surrounded by landscape rocks. Is it possible that the soil is compacted? How deep was the tree planted? Do you see any damage around the truck of the tree?
I believe the webs you see are caused by caterpillars, not spiders. Those are most likely secondary issues caused by the diminished vigor of the tree.
Check to see if the lower branches are alive. Take a small knife or your fingernail and scrape off the outer bark of two or three of the limbs. If the limb is alive you will see green just under the bark.
Looking forward to your responses.
I believe the webs you see are caused by caterpillars, not spiders. Those are most likely secondary issues caused by the diminished vigor of the tree.
Check to see if the lower branches are alive. Take a small knife or your fingernail and scrape off the outer bark of two or three of the limbs. If the limb is alive you will see green just under the bark.
Looking forward to your responses.
Deb K,
Thank you for your reply, unfortunately it went my junk folder so I apologize for my late response. The flagstone was laid several years ago by us. So we tore it up to plant the tree, digging an appropriate sized hole (2X diameter and slightly deeper than pot. Soil was put back and not packed hard. After it settled I added more sand & relaid the flagstone. Concerns- I put landscaping paper down before the sand. Also our yard has a lot of clay under the top soil- field behind us is protected wet lands. We dont have standing water in the yard even in the winter. But unsure if there could be a drainage issue. After planting last May the tree was the picture of health until it’s failed blooming this spring. There were buds on lower branches that never fully bloomed. I did not check to see if the branches are green yet, will check them & the trunk in the morning. I’ve also sent pictures to the nursery we bought the tree at for their thoughts.
Thank you
Suzanne
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On May 13, 2024, at 9:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Suzanne,
It's possible it winter cold and wind damage in which case you could prune out any dead branches and the tree would most likely recover.
But I suspect the root system is underdeveloped for the size of the tree. This could be caused by too wet or too dry soil or compacted soil. The flagstone will have an impact on how the water is moving in the soil. I don't know if this is the cause of stress, it's just something to take into consideration.
I recommend for now you take a wait and see approach. The best thing you can do is to ensure the root system is getting the proper amount of water. Dig down about 2-3 inches and check for wetness. Water if it's dry. If it's wet, wait a few days and check again. Keep a lookout for damage to the trunk caused by rodents. Also look for cankers and small holes in the trunk.
I've attached a link to a publication from Iowa State University that discusses various reasons a tree may suffer dieback. You may find it interesting. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/causes-branch-dieback-trees
Good luck!
It's possible it winter cold and wind damage in which case you could prune out any dead branches and the tree would most likely recover.
But I suspect the root system is underdeveloped for the size of the tree. This could be caused by too wet or too dry soil or compacted soil. The flagstone will have an impact on how the water is moving in the soil. I don't know if this is the cause of stress, it's just something to take into consideration.
I recommend for now you take a wait and see approach. The best thing you can do is to ensure the root system is getting the proper amount of water. Dig down about 2-3 inches and check for wetness. Water if it's dry. If it's wet, wait a few days and check again. Keep a lookout for damage to the trunk caused by rodents. Also look for cankers and small holes in the trunk.
I've attached a link to a publication from Iowa State University that discusses various reasons a tree may suffer dieback. You may find it interesting. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/causes-branch-dieback-trees
Good luck!
