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Is my blossom tree dead?

designmikedesignmike Posts: 7
in Plants
Hi everyone

We have a really nice blossom tree in the centre of our front garden which only a few years back blossomed great. The last two years it has been slow to blossom and the blossom fell quite quickly. I think I know the answer but can anyone confirm if this is dead, pics attached. These photos were just taken.

Thanks in advance 


Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,220
    Oh dear designmike, I'm afraid that your tree is definitely on its way out. That is one of the worst attacks of tree canker I have seen. Unfortunately trees of the Prunus species are quite prone to this. If it hadn't been so severe there may have been a chance to do something but the fact that the bark has been severely damaged means that everything above those wounds will die and then the tree itself. My advice is to remove the tree.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • designmikedesignmike Posts: 7
    Thanks for the reply ladybird, you have confirmed my fears. Such a shame as it was such a beautiful feature once upon a time. Is there anything at all I can try? 
    If I remove the tree and re-plant another, would there be a high chance of the same happening again?
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,220
    I can imagine it was and I dread saying it but there is really nothing you can do. It is inadvisable to plant a tree in the same position as the soil in the area may still contain the bacteria that caused the canker in the first place.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    It might be worth trying an unrelated species of tree.  I think a magnolia would look lovely there.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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