Monkey Puzzle Tree - Advice Please..

[DaveG2108]

Hi

I'm hoping that someone on the forum can assist with advice on a problem with a Monkey Puzzle tree.

I have two growing side by side with trunks less than 7 1/2 feet apart and there is significant overlap of branches. The trees are probably something well over 100 years old.

As you might expect branches on the underside become quite shaded and usually die off over time. The problem that I have is that on one of the trees, on the side opposite were the branches overlap, there are branches which are dying off which are not on the underside of the tree or in the shade but which form a patch on the side of the tree. It has been suggested to me that it may be the result of wind-burn.

I do not want to have the trees taken down and am seeking advice as to what could be causing the problem, if there is a solution and what the prognosis is. Any help or a steer towards a specialist in this field would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

Dave

[David Goss]

pics would help. Not just a pic of the tree but pics of surroundings, base, trunk, root plate, area affected etc. more info you show us the easier to make an educated guess.

Edited January 23, 2012 by David Goss

[skyhuck]

As David says, we need more information.

 

Pictures always help, also location.

[DaveG2108]

Hi

 

Many thanks for the comments. I have uploaded 5 pictures - which is the maximum allowed. I have additional shots.

 

I think that the shot of the underside of the tree showing branches dying of is pretty normal. It is the branches on the side of the tree that are of concern.

 

All comments / suggestions / recommendations welcome.

 

Many thanks

 

Dave

[Steve Bullman]

David, you can upload as many pictures as you want

[theshaker]

Araucaria araucana (monkey puzzle) sometimes sheds lower branches when conditions are not ideal for growth. For example, the species is not shade adapted nor tolerant of poorly drained soils or poor air circulation. While it is somewhat drought tolerant, the last few years have been extremely stressful, even for many established plants. Monkey puzzle do not have the ability to shed individual leaves, so under conditions of root distress or inadequate moisture, entire branches are shed.

 

Disease is also a possibility -- Pestalotiopsis funerea is a common conifer pathogen that infects Araucaria species; however, it is primarily an opportunistic pathogen; i.e., it usually only takes advantage of an already dire situation. It is difficult to be authoritative about diseases of plants from superficial descriptions of symptoms (even trained horticultursts may not have the tools or experience to make a accurate diagnosis). Chances are that unless the conditions are severely sub-optimal, the plant is not diseased. If it is diseased, good cultural treatment (adequate light, moisture, drainage, air circulation) should bring it back to health.

 

Good luck!