Surprise that they still sell this plant aside, Dan's default #1 (improper planting) comes immediately to mind, exacerbated by daily (!) watering of turf1. Lesions and leaves not a good sign. Might recover if turf cultural practices are corrected, but I wouldn't put money on it. Other opinions welcomed.

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Dan

1 Loooove to see the water bill just for turf in SoCal!

How can the problem be corrected? At this point, all i want to do is save the tree. If too much water is to blame, any ideas of how to reduce the water consumption? Does improper planting comes because it was planted in the lawn area or is there something else i should be looking for?

I suspect it is planted too deep #1, and #2 if you amended backfill that is helping in the decline as well. Your turf cultural practice doesn't help either. Water properly. Your water provider has information to help you. Not sure it will recover, but worth a shot (and you'll save much money on water while you're at it).

Dan

Search gummosis for a bounty of pertinent web hits.

I still can't get over the nightly watering.

Im going to remove the surrounding flowers and inspect the dirt. Ill reduce the watering to every other day. Is there something i can use to treat the sapping though?

Is there something i can use to treat the sapping though?

Answered already.

Dan

I removed the flowers that surrounded the tree and inspected the soil. Soil was really damped. The tree looks to be planted at the right level, right? Can i recover the tree?

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Follow my previous suggestion and read up on gummosis. You will see that there are multiple possible causes.

"The tree looks to be planted at the right level, right?"

No, it is planted too deep. There is no sign of a root flare, which should be above ground level.

After you get your irrigation system problems resolved and get ready to plant a replacement tree, take a look at the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Planting a Tree or Shrub

Root flare is about 1/2 below the soil.

Cypher, this is a species that is one of the most disease and insect prone trees that exist in today's landscape. Sad, but true.

Why don't you make a little list of what you LIKE about this tree and maybe we can help you find something that is less problematic.

By the way, trying to establish a newly planted tree with the lawn sprinkling system is never a good idea. Either the tree doesn't get deep enough watering, or the lawn gets soaked. Best to water your lawn on a normal (conservative) schedule and HAND water a tree deeply.

Anecdotal story: My neighbor had three of these trees in her yard, near our property line. I was SOOO sad to see them croak, one after another, because they were my sure-fire Japanese Beetle traps. Once they were gone, I had to deal with the darned beetles in MY yard!

BH thinks the tree can be dug up and put somewhere appropriate and a better, longer-lasting tree can be put in the spot. And, of course, the deep watering by hand, as above. DD1 again.

Dan