Question From: WASHINGTON
Q: I have a Katsura tree that is about 60 years old. I has been pruned every 4 years for all its life. It is about 25 feet high and 20 feet wide. This is the first time some of the branches ,20%, are budding but the leafs are curled but not opening. the leaves near these branches are cupping and the rest of the tree is good with open full leaves. I have bushes surrounding the trunk in a decorative manner I would like to have face time with you to show the tree. I do not want to lose this tree. Her name is Kathryn. I am in Seattle area 206-390-1743
A: My guess is the sudden fluctuation in temperatures damaged the leaf buds. We here in Michigan are having all kinds of issues. In late October it was 80 degree one day and overnight the temps. dropped to 30 degrees and stayed for a couple days. This spring temperatures are up and down like a roller coaster. I talked to a certified arborist the other day to confirm the leaf issues are the result of the weather . He agreed. He also told me that trees have latent buds that can survive and produce several sets of leaves if necessary. I am not an arborist so I don't diagnose tree issues. The arborist I talked to advised home owners to let mother nature take her course. Fertilizer won't help. However if there is a lack of rain, watering will help the tree. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
