half dead tree?

[monkeygirl69]

Got a tree which is only producing leaves/flowers from a couple of branches, the rest are bare. Tree has starting sprouting new growth from the base. Should we cut off the apparently dead branches and see if the rest perks up? or should we cut off the new growth at the base and see if the dead parts come back? Help!

[muddie]

what sort of tree is it? if it's a tree which has been grafted on to a rootstock, like a flowering cherry or an apple, then the uninteresting rootstock might be growing - in which case get rid of it. If it's a tree on its own roots then cut of the dead top bits and see how it goes from the new basal growth. Dead bits never grow back - how many zombie trees have you seen? :) Take the opportunity presented here to go and buy yourself a nice new exciting tree of a kind you like and watch it grow.
Good luck,
Muddie
(Parish tree warden)

[showcatbenga]

Great answer muddie, just a thought to add, there might be a disease present which has caused the decline - may be an idea to take samples of dead & live stuff to local garden centre for ID & advice because could seriously affect the choices if replacement is required. Also check with local council for 'tree preservation order' before starting any work/replacement because it will all have to be sanctioned by them if so. Best of luck.

[monkeygirl69]

Think its some kind of prunus (it was here when we moved in), has red leaves and had little pink flowers in spring, new growth from base has red leaves on it. Pity we need to cut dead bits off as they're screening houses over the road and tree is going to look a bit un balanced! Was hoping that if we cut back dead bit and cut off new base growth the taller alive bit might be encouraged as that seems to be dying at top branches also!

[oldernowiser]

It sounds as if your tree is prunus pisardii nigra (sic). It may not be getting enough water for the size it has reached. Definitely cut off lower shoots, and take out some of dead branches. If possible reduce the height a little. Also investigate ways of giving it more water (perhaps a mulch). Incidentally, when the tree first buds up (Feb time?), cut off a few sprigs, and put them in water in doors. After a few days, stunning!