Stag Horn Tree

Hi I wonder if anyone can help me. I have a Rhus Typhina tree, which was a gift given to me in the summer. Over the past couple of weeks the leaves have been dying off and now i notice that the branches are falling off and snap off even when lightly touched. Is the tree dying? Thanks for any help and advice.

 

From what you say. My first thought would be. Lack of water. Yes sad to say, your tree having got to this stage, does indicate it's on it's last legs. However having mentioned lack of water, and Rhus is a bit of an odd plant. If this has been gradual then yes, water, if on the other hand it's been sudden, then I would suspect root damage. Fungal or bacterial damage tends to take it's time to act. Over watering or lack of usually shows up in rapid changes in the foliage. For the cause to be root related, then this can be sudden. Stagshorn sumach as I say is a strange plant/tree.

 

It is good to have you on board @Chris1953
The Rhus that grows here - and has been doing for years, always seems to have brittle branches that fall off willy nilly when they feel like it. They throw up suckers all over the place too - it`s just the way they are. Not only that, it is autumn! Leaves are falling all over the place now - it`s what they do at this time of year. If I were you I`d just hang on and see how it behaves.. I reckon it will be okay

 

They can grow quite big and are starting to lose their leaves now and the branches are quite brittle so it may be OK.

 

Are we looking at the leaf stalks thinking they are branches
Sorry to be so basic, but often pinnate leaves can give that appearance.

 

Thank you all for your welcome and replies.
The only thing i have done to it is to put it in a large pot as i don't want it in the garden for the reasons you have stated re suckers and it getting out of hand.
I have been looking at other Stagshorn trees when i have been out and about and their leaves are turning red, mine are turning yellow and wilting.
I think the best thing i can do is to leave it and see what happens next year.

 

Usually in my experience, if the leaves fall naturally, the plant is still alive.
If they shrivel and stay attached the wood is dead.