Lime advice???

[simonm]

Small leaved lime semi mature growing roadside a fair bit of die back in the crown. Last few years has been putting out less and less leaf a "a significant amount" could this be an indicator that the tree is on its way out? Or weather/soil related just a bad year? Tree is TPO'D so need to be on the money before i submit application! id say fell and replant due to the size condition and location of said tree

[treesrus]

hard to say without more info, but i was once asked the same question, turned out to be compacted soil around the base of the tree. so be sure to check all possibilities otherwise you'll get the same problem with the new tree.

[simonm]

Thats a good point i overlooked the tree is right at the side of the drive which is just compacted stone/soil

[treeseer]

Less leaves = less risk, so why fell? Good point re soil as cause, and focus of treatments.

[Alinicoll]

Remember with stressed limes to always check for Kretz at the base. Whilst crown dieback in lime can be the beginning of decline it can also be a final warning signal.

[treeseer]

Remember with stressed limes to always check for Kretz at the base. Whilst crown dieback in lime can be the beginning of decline it can also be a final warning signal.

True enough, and easy to spot.

 

Pictures say a million words.

 

dieback can be the beginning of decline, or a portent to recovery. The tree cup is typically half full of potential.