Rowan advice

iankyle2Hd9Gmtfz

We planted a rowan 30 years ago in our garden. This year it is looking very poorly. There are some leaves but the bark is mottled and several branches appear dead. Any advice about this problem and what action if any could be taken?

Fairygirl

I think that's come to the end of it's life unfortunately.
It should be pretty well foliaged up by now after the mild winter. Normally they'd only be getting going now, but all the trees round here are pretty green [apart from the ash]  - about three or four weeks earlier. 

iankyle2Hd9Gmtfz

I am reluctant to give up on it at this stage. The foliage although sparse is greening up now with some blossom. Would it be worthwhile cutting out any dead branches at this stage to see what happens over the next few months?

Fairygirl

You could if you think there's enough life in it, but it may not recover and be very bonny 

iankyle2Hd9Gmtfz

Thanks Fairygirl. Our old tree has given us great pleasure over the years and I would like to try to keep it going if I can.

Fairygirl

My favourite tree @iankyle2Hd9Gmtfz , although I love the other Sorbus too - whitebeam.

I've got a couple of native rowans here - courtesy of the birds. Managed to move one into a border last year and it's settled in well   

BenCotto

iankyle2Hd9Gmtfz

My favourite tree too Fairygirl. I planted another two in our garden last year and happily both are thriving.

Plantminded

I think there's hope for your tree as there's new leaf growth appearing.  It could have become dehydrated over winter/early spring due to lack of rainfall and is now making a later than normal start.  You are right to remove any dead wood now.  I'd also give it a long soak with a hosepipe on low so that it gradually permeates to the roots - they are naturally quite shallow so will take the water up quickly.  Anything you can do to improve water retention in your soil will also help by the addition of organic matter such as garden compost, leaf mould, farmyard manure or soil conditioner as a thick mulch around the base of your tree - keeping it just away from the trunk at soil level.  They are lovely trees and pretty robust, good luck!

Esspee

I have an elderly Rowan which I thought had finally died but in the past week it has suddenly come into leaf.  I live in Glasgow with a warm and sunny back garden.  

It might surprise you yet BenCotto.

iankyle2Hd9Gmtfz

Thanks for the helpful comments. Our elderly rowan is now displaying some nice leaves and blossom. I plan to give it some TLC in the hope that it continues to flourish in the future.