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Unknown Tree (and problems)

15 years ago

I don't know what this tree is or how to take care of it!

I live in Sonoma County California - first time home buyer and very new to gardening. The tree has multiple dead branches (should I clip 'em?) and three types of weird fungi stuff. Maybe 30 feet tall and 60 feet across - I don't want this great shade tree to die!

I'd like to know the species of the tree and care instructions. I want to nurse it so it will thrive!

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At the top of the tree, on the bark, the fungi stuff looks like gray pubic hair and jests out about an inch and a half.

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On lower levels of the tree, another growth is dark green and mossy. About a half inch thick. Finally there are weird flat white spots all over.

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The tree makes cool tiny flowers that bee's LOVE

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Wide view of dead branches.

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Comments (5)

wisconsitom
15 years ago
Ke, I can't identify the tree, but I can assure you the growth on the trunk and branches is harmless lichens and moss. No need to worry there.

+oM
Dibbit
15 years ago
I would suggest that the dead branches get trimmed off before they fall, possibly landing on something or someone valuable. Do check out any tree service you opt to use carefully, and try for one that wants to preserve the tree, not one who blithely offers to "clean it up for you"! Anyone who suggests "topping the tree" should be instantly rejected!

Sonoma should have a County extension agent, who can help identify the tree - take close-up photos of leaves, etc., or a sample twig with you. They/their office won't be able to directly suggest/recommend a tree service, but you may be able to get a few hints as to reliability and excellence. Look in the phone book under county offices, or go on-line for a state wide listing, to find where the office is located.
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well.. 2 independent ID's ... if its scale.. its treatable.. but i have never seen such on mature bark ... if its mushrooms.. as bboy suggests.. i think.. lol ... they are living on the rotting wood under the bark ... time is limited ... that is a very bad prior pruning.. i am wondering what the prior owner did to the rest of the tree ... two more pix .. as good a closeup as you can get... and a pic of the whole ... may as well tell us where you are also .... ken ps: why am i wondering if this tree was topped.. or telephone poled ... or any significant construction in the root zone... or all three????
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conifer50
15 years ago
Looks like a Japanese Pagota Tree....formerly listed as Saphora japonica but now more correctly as Styphnolobium japonicum....a late bloomer for sure!
pineresin
15 years ago
Yep, definitely Japanese Pagoda Tree Styphnolobium japonicum (syn. Sophora japonica).

Agree with Dibbit over treatment, have the dead wood trimmed out but make sure the rest is preserved. Look for an arborist who is ISA-certified (ISA = International Society of Arboriculture), don't settle for less.

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calliope
15 years ago
I have a couple of Sophoras and some die back on the branches seem to be a common occurrence with them. If the tree were smaller, I'd suggest this is a job you could handle yourself. Given the size of the tree, however, I definitely think a professional job would be appropriate. Mine older one is still blooming, clear in zone six.

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