Jacaranda tree that is not doing well

17 years ago

We live in the greater Los Angeles area and have three Jacaranda trees in our back yard. They receive the same water and sun. They were all planted about 7 years ago. One of the trees is not doing well. It loses its leaves early and some branches are dying. I can't figure out why. I don't see any evidence of aphids. There are ants but they are on all the trees. Someone mentioned root rot but I don't know how to check for that. There are burrows around all three trees. Maybe rats? Perhaps I just need to fertilize more? They are really beautiful trees and I hate to lose one. Any ideas?

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Comments (2)

Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
17 years ago
It is hard to say without detailed fotos - diagnoses are hard in the first place, and 1500 mile diagnoses...well.

Is the trunk damaged? Were they planted too deeply? Are there signs of insects boring into trunk/limbs? Is the one dying in a slightly different place? You get my drift.

Dan
pricklypearsatx
17 years ago
Hopefully someone from California will get on the message board to help you with this.

Jacaranda is a legume, related to acacia, mesquite and a locally popular shrub called "Pride of Barbados".

Jacaranda probably does not need more fertilization. Legumes do best with less fertilization.

They are also drought tolerant.

Overwatering of "Pride of Barbados" has resulted in poor results, so I assume the same with Jacarunda.

The thin bark makes them prone to mower damage.

Is the root flare visible?
Is it planted too deep?
Is mulch placed around the trunk?

University of Florida keeps fact sheets on many trees and shrubs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fact Sheet Jacarunda
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