Strang Tree Branch Death - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have an Eastern Redbud planted in Portland, OR that up until this spring appeared healthy. It was planted in it's current location, on the...
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Strang Tree Branch Death #871949
Asked June 06, 2024, 6:21 PM EDT
Hello,
I have an Eastern Redbud planted in Portland, OR that up until this spring appeared healthy. It was planted in it's current location, on the south side of the property with good sunlight, about 4 years ago. When blooming this year only about the top third of the tree flowered and now only about the top third of the tree has any leaves on it. We had an arborist over to do work on other trees and they were confused about the pattern of apparent death. They could tell us that the tree was stressed out, but without us having done anything different around it they were perplexed as to what exactly was happening. I'm wondering if your service might be able to offer any suggestions as to what may be happening or if it would make sense to do any sort of soil or other testing at this time. I have included a couple of images that will hopefully be helpful.
Thank you.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Matthew and thanks for your question and pictures of your poor Eastern Redbud. Two of the possibilities are a canker or Verticillium wilt, but I would definitely have another ISA certified arborist look at the tree, as it may make a difference to what you are able to re-plant there. Here is a website to help find ISA certified arborists near you:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
Good luck!
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
Good luck!