What do you think is wrong with my tree? And how can I save it?

26 days ago

last modified: 22 days ago

I have a tree that has these weird round holes in the trunk near the area where the branches start. the tree looks dry and withering and is losing leaves.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
26 days ago
Crystal, you’re going to have to provide a lot more information. Like pictures! What kind of tree? What is your general location?
floraluk2
26 days ago
You'll need to give us some pictures and your geographical location.
Related Discussions
How long do ya think i can leave my new cherry trees in a bucket?
Q
Comments (4)
Yikes! didn't want to drown them, but they seemed dry to me... I did take them out of the water, shook off the excess and wrapped the roots up in plastic bags...it's supposed to stop snowing late tonight, hopefully the soil will dry out a bit so i can plant tomorrow. I thought about heeling them into my nursery bed, but they're calling for a low of 20 tonight, and they've all broken bud. THey're from Gurney's, and the trees look really nice. Don't want to plant them in their permanent spot because it's been snowing/raining for 5 days straight, and i just hate the idea of working such wet soil....they're going into one end of the garden i broke sod on last year, and i wanted to do a bit of ammending, too. I live on a glacial sand moraine, my next-door neighbor is a gravel pit, excessively well-drained is an understatement. MAN oh man am I glad I didn't order the other 10 trees yet!!! THanks!
...See More
What is wrong with my tree? I think it's dying.
Q
Comments (4)
transplant shock followed by sunburn .. did you put it in full sun after being in the house all winter ... soil looks improper for a tree .. of which we need an ID ... i think its a norfolk island pine.. but i am not sure ... why do you think its a spruce??? and the media looks dry ... and too peaty... never fertilize a stressed plant ... good luck ken
...See More
What do you think is wrong with my Dogwood?
Q
Comments (6)
In my experience, dogwoods seem to suffer more shock from planting than most of my other trees. I agree that it needs water and it should bounce back next year. I have one that looks great in it's second year and one that looks just like yours that was planted this June.
...See More
I think my new azalea bushes died!? What did I do wrong
Q
Comments (7)
The cardboard didn't help with maintaining a moist root area, but isn't totally responsible gor what happened, either. It's very tempting to put down something like cardboard, newspapers or landscape fabric to suppress weeds, but they really do more harm then good. Weeds grow through them and root into them and become harder to deal with in the long run. It would be best to remove the cardboard, bite the proverbial bullet and pull the weeds by hand. Once the area is reasonably weed free, it's not that big a chore to keep it that way. Declined really is a better description than died. The branches showing the most extreme drooping will not revive, but the stems themselves should be fine. Cut them back to an area showing green cambium and they should put forth new growth. There is still ample time for lots of regrowth before fall. There are some root diseases which can cause this kind of rapid collapse, but I am reasonably confident that you will find very dry root balls. Should they prove to be nicely moist, you are then dealing with a more serious condition for which there is really no cure. Fingers crossed.
...See More
laceyvail 6A, WV
26 days ago
Picture required, but the " weird round holes in the trunk" sound like sapsucker damage.
KR KNuttle
26 days ago
Pictures? With no information, I would suspect that it is woodpeckers, and they will not kill the tree.
BillMN-z-2-3-4
25 days ago
First, we should identify what kind of tree it is. Can you post some pictures of the leaves, bark and whole tree? Also, where you are in this vast expanse of the world would be helpful. Just a generally part of the country you are in. Near a big city?

Thanks so much. And welcome to the forums.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
25 days ago
need pix,,,,

if answers dont show.. the FAQ link is messing up this post..

it could be sapsuckers.. woodpeckers.. or any other host of bugs or birds.. or roving bands of kids with drills...

are you downunder? .. if not.. big city name...

ken
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
25 days ago
If you will provide pictures and geographical location we'll have something to go on.
shaxhome
25 days ago
last modified: 25 days ago
I'll bite. Please post some pics of the tree so it can be identified. Pic of whole tree, also close up of leaves, trunk, flowers, seeds. And of the holes too!
tete_a_tete
19 days ago
Perhaps the holes are caused by borers. We don't have woodpeckers in Australia.

Crystal, if you see these posts, perhaps you could post some pictures of the tree and the holes, both close up and far away.

Related Stories

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?

By Lizzie Post

If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations

Full Story

COLOR 8 Color Palettes You Can't Get Wrong

By Lisa Frederick

Can't decide on a color scheme? Choose one of these foolproof palettes for a room that feels both timeless and fresh

Full Story

LIFE You Said It: ‘You Can Help Save the Bees’ and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 6 Ways You Can Save on Your Garden Renovation

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Find out how to spend wisely without compromising on style — and what to splurge on for big impact

Full Story

LAUNDRY ROOMS Where Can I Hide My Laundry Area?

By Melanie Gardener

It’s a case of now you see it, now you don’t with these 10 clever ways of fitting in a laundry zone

Full Story

106

LIVING ROOMS Ideabook 911: How Can I Make My Living Room Seem Bigger?

By Becky Harris

10 Ways to Make a Small Space Live Large

Full Story

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: Can I Put a Remodel Project on Our Wedding Registry?

By Lizzie Post

Find out how to ask guests for less traditional wedding gifts

Full Story

105

LANDSCAPE DESIGN These 4 Planting Strategies Can Save You Money

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Use seeds, plugs and more to keep costs down as you fill out your garden

Full Story

HOLIDAYS 10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree and reap benefits for the environment

Full Story

LIFE You Said It: ‘The Wrong Sink Can Make You Hate Your Kitchen’

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

Full Story

What do you think is wrong with my tree? And how can I save it?

Comments (9)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

floraluk2

Related Discussions

laceyvail 6A, WV

KR KNuttle

BillMN-z-2-3-4

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

shaxhome

tete_a_tete

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US