OK, I finally am able to post some pictures: The first picture clearly shows how from some point the branch and the berries die: Here are some other pictures of tip death: What could this be? What should I do? Just cut it off? Katyajini

Azalea tree - do you mean larger azalea or one that was shaped to a standard (tree form) with a single bare trunk/stem? Trained to a standard could be a challenge if you have stems that have died back. An azalea that has damaged top growth but a healthy root system will often resprout from the ground, which isn't going to be possible while retaining that formal shape. Rather than break them, why don't you try scraping the bark along stems with a fingernail and see if there is any green or life under the bark. If you are watering regularly now and find no life after a few weeks (using the scrape test), those stems should be removed with sharp pruners. You'll just have to check and see how far back to the main stem there may be life. I wouldn't fertilize any more right now, your azalea isn't lacking nutrients and that's all fertilizer can 'cure'...you don't want to add fertilizer burn to it's stress. Is there any chance you could post of photo of your plant, or a photo of any progress it's making in the next few weeks?

Hey, Linda! I remember that Jade branch alright! Nice! Those roots growing from the nodes mean that the Jade is actively looking for water.....so, please, go ahead and water. I wouldn't disturb the roots in the potting medium yet, since you can assume that there are roots growing in there - as above so below. ;) I'd also advise that you prune off some of that foliage, eventhough it looks very nice and full. I'd prune off any drooping or pendulous growth, and I'd try to preserve the vigorous new growth tips. I'd let the plant continue growing through this summer, then I'd pot it this autumn. If you're in zone 4, you might do this around September. In my area, I do my autumn pruning and re-potting in October-November. You might have seen the update on my large Jade cutting in one of the other Threads floating around this Forum, but I'll post it here, too. I got this cutting from Joscience (he's a really great guy!). I left the cutting out of soil for several weeks, then before putting it into rooting-mix I pruned off excess foliage (mostly to help balance the weight of the cutting/keep it from leaning too far one way or the other). Many of these branches I consider "nurse branches," which I'm using to establish the cutting. Once I have plenty of new growth for photosynthesis, I'll begin removing/shaping the older growth. Here's a shot next to one of my cats - and then a pic after I'd potted the cutting. The large stones in the pot were merely to prop the cutting up. Josh

Ok Gardengal (and thank you!), that's funny because my tree has never been red in the spring; also its leaves have always been smaller and more tightly curled than it is this year. With your comment I googled Shishigashira coloring and first site said, "has attractive green foliage which emerges red in spring." I haven't ever noticed spring coloring info for this one! My learning curve has been rough for this little tree! I won't go into details b/c people might take away my gardening privileges, but she's survived my big mistakes. I'm taking the spring coloring as a sign that she's recovering! Every year there is quite a bit of die back in the higher branches and the high up survivors are really slow to leaf out. Is that normal? Before finding your response I'd gone ahead and treated with EDDHA Iron Chelate 6%. That shouldn't hurt anything, right? Thanks for your response, I've been worried about my favorite tree! Kay