Hello, I live in Etobicoke. I have a tree in my front yard where only one half is growing. The tree grew beautifully last year with lots of green foliage and pink flowers in the fall. I don’t know what kind of tree it is but was told it is about 10 years old. This spring, only half the tree is producing green leaves. I have noticed bark damage at the base of the tree. I have enclosed a photograph. Is there anything I can do to save the tree or is it better to replace it?
From the bark and structure of the tree, this is most likely a Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which blooms in mid to late summer through early fall.
The reason for only half the tree leafing out could be due to a couple of issues – girdling or underground root damage – both of these could be caused by animals.
From your photo, it looks like the base of the tree is girdled to some degree, which could be from animals or rot, or even could be from damage by lawn care equipment. The cambium is the layer beneath the tree bark that transports water and nutrients throughout the tree. With girdling, the cambium is destroyed, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. It is hard to tell from the photo how much of the tree is girdled, but if it encircles the entire trunk, the tree would not be able to recover. If the girdling is partial, less than half the circumference of the trunk, the tree may be able to recover. Examine the bark damage – how far does it extend?
If you decide to keep the tree, good cultural practices are essential, as the tree in a weakened condition. For example: make sure the tree is not crowded by other plants (including weeds) so that there is good air circulation around it, water frequently, and check that the soil drains well. Another important factor is to keep the area around the tree clear of debris, which could be attractive to critters as nesting spots – you want to discourage them as much as possible! Leave the damaged bark in place – removing it could expose the tree to further damage. Light pruning of dead branches may improve the overall look of the tree.
For more detailed information, see
- Toronto Master Gardeners. Ask a Master Gardener. Rabbit Damage? Is this a Girdled Tree? Can it be saved? This post discusses girdling in detail, as well as grafting (to save the tree), a complex procedure that would involve hiring an arborist. It also includes a further link that instructs how to protect the tree from animals, e.g., using wire or cloth fencing.
- Toronto Master Gardeners. Ask a Master Gardener. Tree lilac girdled. This post includes great information on proper cultural practices for any tree, as well as pointers about trunk protection over the winter.
- Morton arboretum. Trunk wounds and decay. This article notes that if under 25% of the trunk bark has been affected, it is likely that the tree will recover. Another reference I located indicates that recovery will likely occur if under half the circumference has been girdled – Three Rivers Land Trust. How to save a girdled tree.
All the best with your Rose of Sharon!