Dying Madrone? - Ask Extension
Planted this tree as a seedling over ten years ago. Bark is red but never peals. Old leaves usually drop in spring and new leaves appear. This year...
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Dying Madrone? #875727
Asked July 02, 2024, 7:06 PM EDT
Planted this tree as a seedling over ten years ago. Bark is red but never peals. Old leaves usually drop in spring and new leaves appear. This year looks worse than ever. Is it dying? Is there anything I can do to help it survive?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Jack. Madrones are some of the most difficult plants to grow, and determining whether they are dying is somewhat of a puzzle. Here is the list of known diseases: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=madrone. This article explains why their environment--above and below ground--is critical to their survival: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/native-madrones-are-special-northwest
If, after reading this, you still believe there is something you should do differently, I suggest that you contact a certified arborist to examine it and provide recommendations. You can find one in your area through this website: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
Good luck!
If, after reading this, you still believe there is something you should do differently, I suggest that you contact a certified arborist to examine it and provide recommendations. You can find one in your area through this website: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
Good luck!
