By Mark Arena, Clemson Extension Agent
Recently, I received a phone call from a homeowner stating that the top portion of his evergreen tree was dead and wondering why. Unfortunately, however, he did not know what type of tree it was. The next step was to ask a few general questions in an effort to determine what may have affected his tree. He did his best to answer. At the end of the process, I was not able to determine what would have suddenly killed the top portion of his tree, so I decided to make a site visit the following day.
The next day I visited the site and discovered that the tree was a Leyland Cypress. It was approximately seven feet tall and was planted two years ago. As the homeowner had previously stated, the upper portion of the tree was clearly dead. Upon a closer inspection of the foliage, there were no signs or symptoms of concern.
Next, I pulled the branches back to inspect the trunk. At the intersection of the live and dead portion of the tree, there was a noticeable indentation in the trunk (Picture #1). This indentation went completely around the trunk in a clear and distinct pattern. I asked the homeowner if the tree was tied and staked after planting. He was unable to remember. I showed him the indentation and explained that the upper portion of the tree was not receiving any water or nutrients due to the girdling of the trunk.
He asked for a further explanation. I explained that whatever created the indentation strangled the tree trunk at the point where the indentation was. Because of the strangulation, water and nutrients were not able to flow above that point, which is essential for the tree to survive.
He inquired about saving the tree. I explained that removing the dead portion and thus, allowing one of the branches to take over as a central leader was a potential option. I did warn him that this process will take some time and may cause the tree to look unbalanced for some time. With his approval, we removed the dead portion of the tree. Now it is a wait and see what happens situation!
Preventing girdling of either a tree or a branch is a simple task and generally only requires a few minutes. Simply removal all plastic flagging, labels or other materials from the trunk and branches that may be present at planting. If the tree requires staking, be sure guide wires and other materials are not too tights. The tree should be able to sway approximately two-inches in all directions. Once the tree can stand on its own remove all staking, guidewires and other materials. Materials left on the tree for an extended period of time have the potential of injuring and possible killing a portion or the entire tree.
Recent Comments