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Termites on Yellow Mexican Bird of Paradise in Arizona

6 years ago

We have three Yellow Mexican Bird of Paradise trees that are
about 15 feet tall. We noticed some holes in the trunk, and branches,
and portions of the trunk is turning powdery, and the bark is coming
off.

The gardener suggested to cut down the trees below the holes, leaving
only about 1/2 feet of the stump, and that the trees will grow again.
Is this the best way moving forward?

Featured Answer

Sara Malone (Zone 9b)

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

If you mean Caesalpinia gilliesii, it will certainly grow again. it is a fast grower generally and is easy to grow from seed, so another thing that you could do is to either dig up some seedlings (each of mine generally produces a few) or just take some ripe seed and germinate it, and start again. Depends on the look you are willing to live with during the 'awkward' phase. Also, make sure that the identification of the problem is correct; I've never heard of termites in live wood, but I gather that desert conditions are different - your local county extension agent would be the place to start.

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Comments (10)

Sara Malone (Zone 9b)
6 years ago
Was also thinking that this was likely borers and not termites; may indicate other issues with the trees. Again, county extension is the best resource. I love these trees, hope it works out.
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They are deciduous here in the VOTS, and this is the time of year they start running down, though they often remain substantially foliated through December. Looks perfectly normal to me. As an aside, it probably isn't best for them to see water more than once per week at this point.
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The red Mexican bird of paradise tree I was speaking of above. This has to be one of the most no hassle trees I've ever had or plant I've ever had I just had what three seeds are put in a pot those already and have to buy plumeria which is in the shade and the Sun comes from the other side as the one down for the night from the middle to the west. But it is for the hot Sun too Saudi seeds started sprouting like that was in 3 days pretty in my seat I got from the the truth these were spent scenes meaning they were shaking in the pod eat the dark ones are even better. Open the pod get your CDL but Amanda nice. Very nice soil put them in about 1 inch down Miracle Grow potting soil.by super bloom trust me you have you some sprouts. The picture in my message is my tree its 7 foot tall and everything seems wonderful --it's very healthy except I didn't prune it downt fiery while.it was growing. Now its long and lanky big cluster at top and it kind kind of leans towards the sunshine because my neighbor's tree blocking half the yard wher I plan.to.build a gazebo
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Where I live in Arizona doesn't get severe winter weather but we do get a few good hard freezes. We always wait until after the freeze hits to trim back our plants. This way the outside growth protects the inner part of the plant. Bird of Paradise likes to be in the ground, speaking from my experience, and we use a drip on it daily. They do need to be trimmed back to where new growth is starting after the freeze then they will grow quickly, once the plant is mature, and start blooming a couple months after the last frost. In our area they are still blooming, but my larger ones are getting seed pods and slowing down. I just trim the bare minimum off now and remove all pods and any dead bloom spike sticks. Leaving the bulk of the plant. They do need full sun.
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janabeck3
6 years ago
I have the same problem. One whole trunk appears to be dying while other trunks look fine. Should I remove the entire trunk? Here's a picture.
Sara Malone (Zone 9b)
6 years ago
What do the leaves on this trunk look like? This does not look like borers, who make small round holes. These plants are not hardwoods in the general sense of the term; they are prone to this kind of splitting and scragginess. A photo of the whole plant would help.
janabeck3
6 years ago
There are small round holes further up the trunk. Here's a picture of that and the whole tree.
janabeck3
6 years ago
Still hoping to hear some feedback on this. My husband is ready to take the entire trunk at the base, leaving just the single trunk. It does not have any signs of disease or distress.
Sara Malone (Zone 9b)
6 years ago
If it has no signs of disease or distress, let it be. Your local extension office is the best source of help. The majority of posters here have never heard of, much less grown, this tree. Even I, who grow it, am in a different climate. Sorry that we cannot do better.
janabeck3
6 years ago
There is disease and distress on two of the three trunks. Did you see the pictures I posted that you asked for? The thought is to cut off those diseased ones and keep just the one that is not showing signs.
User
6 years ago
I personally never liked the idea of cutting mature trunks off of a cluster, leaving one to grow. Reason is, rot will start in the left over stumps and can spread to the healthy tree. But it's like Sara said, I have no idea if your species of tree will act the same as a maple or oak that I'm familiar with. I would like to think all trees would be similar in this manner but maybe not.
Sara Malone (Zone 9b)
6 years ago
Oh sorry I see - you mean that the ONE trunk has no signs of disease or distress. I think it's very tough for anyone to make a suggestion who does not know the climate and how this particular tree behaves there. I keep saying to check with your extension office. That is honestly your best source.

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