Palo Verde is turning brown and dying

9 years ago

We purchased this tree and planted it about 3 years ago. We live in San Diego, and this was purchased as a drought tolerant option. We watered it well the first 6 months, but since then it's just been rain watered. We had a very wet winter, so I don't believe it is a watering issue... anyone have any idea what could be happening?
Album here: https://goo.gl/photos/zK9k2yjfKK9r477T6

Featured Answer

lgteacher

9 years ago

Six months isn't long enough for a drought tolerant tree to get establised - it takes a year or even two, since part of that time was during a drought. It needs to have an extensive root system to get the water it needs during a dry period. Follow 5birdy's advice.

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Comments (7)

5birdy
9 years ago
I'm no plant expert but also live in San Diego and have 5 Desert Museum Palo Verde trees in hot East County. First they LOVE having rock mulch around their base. Second they are desert trees which means about once a month in the summer you need to deeply water them (since we do not get rain in summer they cannot exist on our rain pattern). The amount of water will determine how much they grow so if you crazy water it will be a huge tree. You may want to consult with an expert to see if this tree can be saved or not (like can a prune help etc). Sure hope you can save it!
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Henry Ho
Original Author
9 years ago
5birdy, any recommendations on a tree expert? Not sure who to even talk to. I will try to go back to the nursery
5birdy
9 years ago
The nursery would be great (Walter Andersen in Pt Loma very helpful for me and where I bought several of these trees). Would help to know what type palo verde tree. You could also try contacting AZ Plant Lady Noelle Johnson (who I discovered here on Houzz!) She's an expert in desert type plants and has many interesting articles such as this one: [10 essential native trees for Southwestern gardens.[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-essential-native-trees-for-southwestern-gardens-stsetivw-vs~72712112)

Lgteacher, great point about establishment..... and that's the first time someone ever suggested a person follow my plant advice LOL! Thank you :) I struggle so much in the garden.

There are many knowledgeable folks on this forum so hopefully someone can chime in if and how you can help your tree Henry Ho!
JXBrown (Sunset 24, N San Diego County)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Is that tree surrounded by gravel and rock or is it planted in a pit surrounded by concrete?

Could also be a girdling root that is wrapped around the trunk. Can you see the base of the tree?
Henry Ho
Original Author
9 years ago
went back to the nursery, they say the tree is unrecoverable and they are bringing out a new tree for replacement (only paying for delivery). Bummer :(
5birdy
9 years ago
I'm so sorry the tree is lost. But it's amazing they are delivering it for you! (not easy to fit these inside cars believe me). I gave mine a good soaking Sunday. They also love to be sprayed all over their branches. Similar trees that like these same summer conditions are Desert Willows and Chitalpas.

Oddly if you truly want a "water free" naturalized summer tree here in waterless San Diego, the desert type trees/shrubs are not the way to go. Ceanothus and manzanita types are a few that can naturalize.