Knowledgebase
How to save a tree that did not produce leaves? #876130
Asked July 06, 2024, 4:25 PM EDT
Is there a way to save a honey locust tree (best guess of type) that’s growth was stopped during budding due to freeze or other reason? Only a small amount of leaves started to appear from buds, then withered so they are no leaves. Some branches appear gray and brittle (fully dead) while the main trunk and other branches maintain a reddish bark and a green line where cut, seeming to still be alive.
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Emily,
I'm sorry to hear about your tree!
Unfortunately, at this stage of the season, it's unlikely that the tree is going to recover. Even if it were somehow able to put out a few leaves, the stress of this year will probably be too much to live through for much longer, nor will the tree have a good chance of attaining a good form.
Tree tree is probably best replaced. Other good options for our area include Bur Oak, Catalpa, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Hackberry. When you replace the tree, pulling the grass back at least a few inches from the trunk will help to prevent the tree being damaged by lawn-mowing activities, too (a common cause of lethal trunk injuries to young trees!)
I hope this is helpful.
Cordially,
John
