Problems With My Tulip Tree.

[Vimto]

I have a Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) in my garden which has been growing quite happily for around fifteen years. It is approx. 18 feet high and nicely spread. It was probably about five years old when I planted it so is twenty years old now. Last year I noted it was quite late in coming into leaf. This year it is even later; it is now almost the end of June and the higher branches are very sparsely foliated although appear to be alive and are slowly coming into leaf. I fear it is suffering from some malady which is slowly killing it. It has never flowered and I was hoping it would soon. Does anyone share my experience? Is it serious and can anything be done? I live in northern England near the west coast; the climate is temperate with warm summers and cool wet winters.

[Peaspeculiars]

Morning Vimto, I love these trees but don't have the room. The non-flowering even at 20 yrs seems about right, and yes - should flower soon./
As it is in the Magnolia Family the amount of diseases they have would be very small, and considering that is hasn't been transplanted anywhere, the possibilities seem to be:
1) Aphids - apparently they love tulip tree's and my be the reason for the lack of foliage at the top
2) Chemicals - has anyone (neighbours) out anything different on their garden near the tree this year that may have got into the root system? Weed killer/ spilled oil/ petrol etc
3) overproduction of their own sap - do the upper branches have 'sooty' marks around the leaf buds? This would be a sign of it and would inhibit leaf development.
Whatever the cause, I wouldn't necessarily trim back (unless, of course you think it is some sort of mutation which might spread to nearby branches) and just see what happens next year. If one of the above signs is showing, you could try and treat the tree.

Hope it recovers soon, all the best
x

[Chipchopper]

Hi Vimto,
It may seem an obvious question but is the tree getting sufficient water ?
They are a shallow rooted tree, therefore they susseptable to drought if rain fall is low.
The conditions you have there seem suitable for that species but the weather can be inconsistent these days, like heavy downpours quickly running off.
Hopefully your tree is not in decline but keep an eye out for any abnormalities ie wilting leaves or early fall, fungi, bark eruptions etc

[Vimto]

To answer your questions chips and peas, no aphids, no chemicals, no sooty deposits, plenty of rain augmented by the fact the tree is next to my rose garden and receives hosepipe treatment whenever necessary, simply no leaves although there are more now since I first wrote but still very, very late and to pre-empt your next question maybe; yes, I am sure it is a tulipifera.
I have taken a couple of photographs this morning after a wet night to illustrate my problem which I want to attach to this but don't know how to do it. If either of you can explain please advise, Vimto.

[Vimto]

Question Author


Here is a photo of the tree..

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=23vgpyd&s=8#.VY5j9djbJD_

[Vimto]

I'll tryQuestion Author

I'll try again


http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=23vgpyd&s=8#.VY5j9djbJD_

[Vimto]

No, it's not playing but there is a picture of it under "Technology"which I managed in the answer by SlackAlice. You will find the question under my dog Vimto.

[Chipchopper]

Hi again Vimto,

I was in no way doubting your identification of your tree, as its truncate leaf shape is very distinctive, it not unique,

I did manage to see the picture that you posted in 'Technology' and to be honest, I think there is cause for concern.

Sparse foliage/crown dieback could be a possible indicator of fungal decay.
other symptoms might be : cankerous growths on the stem or branches which may also have fluxing liquid or resin exuding and staining may be visible. Also look for fruiting bodies around the base of the stem and root area.
If none of these symptoms are currently present, I still think it would be wise to ask a qualified Arborist to carry out a closer survey of the tree, which may confirm what the what the problem is and what action may be necessary. Good luck...Chip.

[Vimto]

Thanks chips for that appraisal. I do in fact know just the chap to have a look. A fellow called Ben Andrews who is local but widely known in arboreal circles and used to teach at the Lancashire College of Agriculture at Myerscough and specialises in trees.
I can't see any manifestations you mention but I will keep watching for any signs. Many thanks for your comments once again.
It may be some tie but I will report back when I have further news, Vimto

[Chipchopper]

Okay Vimto, sounds like Ben's just the man for the job!

Yep, I'll be interested to hear of any developenets!

Cheers...Chip.

[Vimto]

Hello Chip and all who are interested. Well, my tree has recovered all on its own but my, has it taken a while. It is now August 13th and you can see that it looks in prime health. I am still concerned it has taken so long and I am convinced there is an underlying malady. I shall watch it carefully through autumn and more especially next spring.
Thank you all for your advice, Vimto.

http://oi58.tinypic.com/2v35ufp.jpg

[Chipchopper]

Hi Vimto,
Glad to hear its pulled through and I hope it continues to improve!

Best wishes...Chip.