Ailing Catalina Ironwood

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Anyone have a suggestion about what this tree is unhappy about? Don't see pests, no change is care or water over the last 3 years and its fellow trees seem content. The bark on the very lower part of the trunk has shed more than usual (nearly smooth) and some of the leaves are a bit curled on the ends. I really hope I am missing something obvious to get it back on track.

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Comments (5)

CA Kate z9
8 years ago
I don't know if this is it, but here is an idea I've experienced:

We put down heavy mulch to conserve moisture, but it can also keep water from getting to the ground underneath, especially in very hot weather. Have you tried moving some of the mulch to see if the ground underneath is wet/damp? Not having enough water to soil in this heat might be the problem.
Jubilante thanked CA Kate z9
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
where are you ... and what was winter/spring and summer weather???

imo.. a 3 year in place tree shouldnt need to be watered ... free range ...

but i like the suggestion above.. to find out soil moisture ...

while you are there.. dig a small hole.. up to a foot deep.. and find out the soil moisture at depth ..... root depth .....

i wonder why it appears that the biggest damage is just at the height of the fence ... whats that all about ....

ken
Jubilante thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Shedding bark is common to this species. And it also prefer little to no summer irrigation after establishment. It is also prone to some random die off that is still be investigated as to cause.
Jubilante thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Embothrium
8 years ago
Look up honey fungus and then see if there are any signs of that.
Jubilante thanked Embothrium
Jubilante
Original Author
8 years ago
The mulch is moved away from the trees. After talking to a local nursery, we did dig a bit and found moisture (about the same as the other 2) as they wondered if it was too dry. There is drip irrigation that is lightly used...water issues...Monterey County, CA. I agree with no water should be needed at this point--it is why I look for low/no water plants. I really like these trees and have 4 around the yards...all the others are doing fine. :(