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My Sapodilla tree is dying, Please Help!

7 years ago

I'm guessing it's either caused by over fertilization or trunk damage by my landscapers. I should also mention I've tried adding new soil mixed with fertilizer around it recently but saw no improvement. Please check out the photos and let me know what yall think, any help would be greatly appreciated!

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Comments (4)

altadenamara
7 years ago
That looks awful. My lawn person did the same thing to one of my fig trees with his weed eater. For my fig tree, I wrapped the damaged trunk with a brand of nursery grafting tape called Buddy tape and wrapped a plastic trunk/tree guard around the bottom to protect the base for the future. A good grafting tape is perforated to let air in and will stick to itself making a tight seal. Several leaves had to be removed that were wilting so the tree could support the other leaves. I also started an air layer on a side branch in case the tree doesn't make it. I don't know if the same thing will help save your tree or not. Stark Bros. Nursery claims "tree guards do not protect against string trimmers/weed whackers and the like" but I've found it helps with small trees like ours. Best of luck with it.
Samir Momin
Original Author
7 years ago
So you think the tree may be dying due to the trunk damage? Also, thank you for the advice
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altadenamara
7 years ago
Yes,
there definitely seems to be trunk damage but hopefully not a complete girdling
of the cambium layer so the tree might heal. (Also, it might not. Sorry.) I
looked at my four potted sapodilla trees to compare to yours. Before the tree
puts out its spring growth, the old leaves look droopy and even half yellow on
the ends. Changing the soil and fertilizing put extra stress on the plant.
Right now the new spring growth should be beginning to emerge at the branch
ends. Below is a picture of my Alano tree and you can see the yellowing old
leaves and the colorful new growth. (I apologize that it's upside down.) Best of luck with your tree.
Samir Momin
Original Author
last year
Unfortunately that tree ended up dying due to trunk damage, however I have a new tree now but the leaves on this tree have recently become discolored and some have shriveled, I've included pictures can anyone tell me what's going on?

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