Damaged in transport? It was a big plant to move so maybe cracked in the move and died this year.

tj

Tree was possibly too large for size of spade used?

Why was it moved?

50% of the labor was used just to tie up the branches. A couple of the bottom branches got scraped a little but healed over. The brown branches were not damaged in the move. The entire lot next to the bank is to be cleared. It is worth repeating that brown color did not show up 'till June of this year.

This is like an Agatha Christie novel.

May need to be watered

it is not uncommon to see damage a season or two later ..

for me.. it usually showed after winter .. the drying winds.. icy cold.. etc ...

in milder climes.. it wouldnt surprise me that the damage might not show until the heat of summer hit ... whats the weather background been since the move??

ken

sam_md, did you mean to show us more about the dead branches? Why not check out the dead branches more carefully and get back with us.

Here's what I found. These holes are not only on several branches but many on the main trunk also.. The concern is that this could spread, more branches die and someone will be stuck with an unsightly tree.

Frass holes??

Looks like Sapsucker holes.

tj

Sap Sucker was my first thoughts also but the branch seems so tiny for those.

What diameter are the holes? Sap Suckers generally have ~1/8" diameter holes, give or take, depending on the size of the branch/trunk. They'll dig them out very large if the cambium permits.

Also holes in the bark can indicate an insect problem.

So we're agreed, sapsucker. I really could have done without that.

Yes, sapsuckers routinely make their holes in 'lines' or 'rows', a dead giveaway.

Insects not so much and their holes are generally less numerous and more 'scattered'.