Knowledgebase

Tree Question #869713

Asked May 23, 2024, 7:15 AM EDT

Hello, 

Can you look at the pics of the deciduous tree I've attached? 

Question 1: Can you identify it? I think it may be a Lombardy poplar, but I am not sure.

Question 2: Obviously, I'm not a tree expert, but it looks to me that this tree is dead/dying or in serious decline.  Can you advise on this point?

Thanks so much! Appreciate any info you can give me. 



El Paso County Colorado

Expert Response

Dear Juliann,

Thank you for contacting the CSU Ask Extension which has been assigned to El Paso County.  Regrettably, the photo of the tree is too distant to detect the types of leaves on the tree, and thus it is difficult to determine exactly what type of tree this is.  A close up photo of the tree's leaves may facilitate the determination of the type of tree.  

There are many reasons why a tree does not properly leave out, these include drought, pest infestations, girling roots, verticillium wilt.

To help answer your question, further background information is needed.  Also noted is from the photo is that the tree seems to be right up against a conifer tree which may be hampering the root growth and ability to obtain nutrients.


How long have you noticed the problem, is this the first year the tree did not leaf out?

How are you watering the tree?  In Colorado with our windy and dry conditions it is especially important to make sure trees are watered, even during the winter when the temperature is above 40 degrees F.

Inspect the bark, are there obvious signs of damage?

Girdling of roots occurs when roots wrap around one another, and one root becomes choked off and unable to transport nutrients and moisture to the top of the tree. Symptoms of girdling roots include top dieback, leaf loss, stunted leaves and dieback of twigs.  This can happen if the tree was not properly planted for example.  A concern is that the tree is so close to the other trees.

Verticillium wilt Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease caused by Verticillium alboatrum, and it causes noticeable problems beginning in the early summer. Leaves will be light and dull in color and start dropping from the tree without first wilting; leaf drop can begin at the top of the tree or along one side. Interior leaves begin to fall first, and the leaf loss moves outward along the branches. Pruning and good soil culture help control verticillium wilt, but there is no chemical treatment.  Have you noticed this type of scenario?

Finally, you may also want to consult with an arborist in your area. 


I hope this information is helpful.


Regards,


Marion C. 

Master Gardener El Paso County, CO




Aug 5, 2023


An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 28, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
Thank you for the reply.

This is a tree in my neighbor's yard and so unfortunately I don't have much control over it.

I am concerned about it because two different professionals (1 landscaper/1 fire mitigation analyst) have advised us that the tree, in their opinion, is not healthy and should be removed. One of them said he was surprised that the most recent ferocious windstorm did not take it out.

Regarding your questions, in the 5 years we have lived here:
I have never seen the neighbor water the tree. 
The leaf-out is always the same -- none on what looks to be the main trunk, but leaves on the off-shoots - twigs. 

I spoke to our covenants/forestry administrator, and he has actually seen the tree (but in winter). He said that usually if the tree gets leaves, he considers it ok.

That does not seem right to me, since a huge portion of the tree does NOT get leaves. Hence my question to you. 

We have spoken to the neighbor about it. He told us "he'd look into it" -- which could mean anything!!

I may send your comments to the covenants person, if that is OK? 

Thanks again.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 07:46:33 AM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2024, 10:47 AM EDT

Dear Juliann, 

 Everything that is posted on this site is public so others can see it as well.

Good luck with everything and thanks again for contacting the Ask Extension site.


Regards,


Marion C.

Master Gardener

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 28, 2024, 12:48 PM EDT

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