Is this the end?

Hi. I have a large beech tree which used to be gorgeous. About four years ago, I noticed that her leaves were becoming smaller and the canopy less dense. The problem has got worse each year since then, with the added problems of a large portion of the top dying and several of the lower branches. This year the leaf coverage is very sp**** and they keep dropping off.

Do you think it would help her if I had someone to reduce her size or do you think she is just on the way out?

 

Hi Chrysocolla,

Is it possible for you to post a picture or two of the affected tree and its location? Also, what is the history of the site? Has anything drastically changed say withing the last six or seven years? Often trees show symptoms of poor health years after being affected by something.

 

Whoops!
I had a wild life pond put in eight years ago, close to the beech. I was assured that as the max. depth was only going to be 3' (18" near the tree), the root damage would be minimal. Also five years ago, my next door neighbours did work on their drive which has diverted the water run off course from the ground higher than us, through my garden, close to the tree. This is dreadful in the winter. The soil is heavy clay. The area is planted by a band of large mature trees and shrubs - rhodies and laurels. The only other signs of distress are one tree is loosing bark from some of it's branches, planted well back from the pond.

I have just been out trying to get some photos and noticed that the bark of the beech has thousands of tiny white patches on it, perhaps fungi? Have tried once to put some photos on and lost my post, so will try separately. My computer and I have an uneasy relationship and I have to try to work out how to get them on this site.
Thanks.

 

Well Chrysocolla, you've just described an ideal situation leading to tree decline and eventual death. Some species of tree such as beech respond badly to changes in their environment and find it hard to cope. Firstly, the most important part of the tree's root system are the fine root hairs which absorb water and nutrients from the soil. These could have easily been damaged by installing a pond. Secondly a change in water levels in the soil can alter a tree's nutrient balance and promote the growth of toxic bacteria around the roots. Heavy clay soil not only retains water molecules but also forces air out of the soil, air that the tree requires. Losing bark from the branches could be a sign of bacterial infection such as canker.

If you're seriosuly concerned about the tree I'd recommend getting an arborist or arb consultant in to provide a professional opinion.

 

Good advice.

 

That's not good news. I will take your advice and get someone to look at her. Doesn't sound as if you think she can be saved though which I am very sad about.

Thanks