Question
QUESTION: "Dear Dr. Vann, I sincerely hope you can help with saving my 7 year old curly willow tree. When I planted the tree it was just over 5 feet in height and today it towers above the roof line of the house. It's been a wonderful shade tree and has always had arborist care in trimming of any small dead branches in the spring or fall. This past week, however, I went to look at the tree which is beginning to green up and was dismayed to see a central trunk/branch was dead, all the way up to the top of the tree. The bark around the base of the tree seems to have cracked and is peeling away. I'm told that the tree may have a disease and will have to be taken down and I'm so hoping this is not the case.

Would you be able to advise me on the situation with the information I've provided?

Sincerely,
Jodey"

ANSWER: Hi Jodey:
From your description, I would also suspect some level of internal wood rot.  This can be caused by a multitude of microorganisms, mostly fungal in nature. This is often a slow, yet progressive process in which the wood decomposes within the tree.  If this is the case, this decline may have started literally years ago when some microorganisms entered the tree, usually through a wound of some sort. Then the process begins, a progression of microorganisms occurs and the tree's defenses kick in to wall off the infection. Assuming the tree is fertilized and watered well, defenses slow it down some to limit advancement of the decay.

Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to this situation.  These types of diseases are best prevented by preventing wounds in the bark which allow those fungi and bacteria from entering.  The process may go like this--- As the rot progresses, you may start to see more and more dead branches developing in the canopy each spring when the tree leafs out.  Dead branches then fall from the tree, then one day part or all of the tree may fail during a wind or ice storm.  This may become a hazard to person or property.  Best to remove the tree before this happens. It is important to keep in mind that.. this progression to the point of tree failure may take years- if the tree is watered and fertilized well.  Suggest monitoring this decline until you feel that the branches/tree may be a hazard, then removal will be your best option.

Regards

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for the detailed response to my question. I feared the tree would have to be removed and I'll probably have that done at the end of summer. One question, though: would you be able to recommend a tree appropriate for the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia to replace the curly willow, preferably a fast-growing tree as the willow is a feature of the side yard (I should mention there is plenty of water underground as there are streams leading into a creek nearby).
Thanks, again.

Answer
Jodey:
Best to do your homework here at this point.  I would consider contacting your local forestry comission or even a reputable nursery for that information since tree selection is important. There is no such thing as a perfect tree.  Each have their own "quirks".  Things to consider includes; how much room you have, Soil type, water sources, any power lines, special needs, pruning etc.  This information can come best from professionals located in your hardiness zone.  I'm in zone 7 and my trees are different than yours there.  Local information is best for your request.

Enjoy trees.
Steve


-------------------------------------------------------------------

Jodey:

P.S. check out this publication on the web.  It has a lot of "good stuff" about tree care that applies to your area.  Everyone interested in trees needs to have one in their glovebox, right next to their car's owners manual!!

http://na.fs.fed.us/pubs/uf/tom/090202_tom_hr.pdf