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Does not seem to be growing well

ahinchliffe74ahinchliffe74 Posts: 6
in Problem solving
This tree is in our front garden, not growing very well, was here when we moved in. Seems to have a type of fungus growing. Can anyone help?

Posts

  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 434
    It's lichen and is no issue

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=411
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I agree, the Lichen is not causing any issues to your tree/shrub, however, Lichen can grow on shrubs and trees that are not thriving or growing very well, especially plants that grow slowly. And this is normal for a few trees and shrubs, but on some, a sign they are not doing very well in general.

    Not sure which tree you have, but it may be grown in heavy poorly drained soil or in conditions that do not suit it. You may need to look into the two areas to find a way to help the plant thrive.
  • ahinchliffe74ahinchliffe74 Posts: 6
    Thank you!
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Agree with Borderline's comments.  Given that you say it isn't growing well, if it is planted directly into a lawn (can't tell from photo) it's best to keep a 1m diameter circle under the tree free of grass and weeds.  You can then use something like well-rotted manure or fish, blood and bone fertlizer on that area to give the tree some food, as it may never have been fed.  If the area is dry, then try giving it 2 bucketfuls of water each week throughout the rest of the year and see if it responds.
    Your tree looks a little like it may be a Hibiscus - if so, those are from warmer climes and will only be coming into leaf about now for many in the UK.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ahinchliffe74ahinchliffe74 Posts: 6
    Thank you for the advice Bob. 
  • ERICS MUMERICS MUM Posts: 627
    BobTheGardener said:
    Agree with Borderline's comments.  Given that you say it isn't growing well, if it is planted directly into a lawn (can't tell from photo) it's best to keep a 1m diameter circle under the tree free of grass and weeds.  You can then use something like well-rotted manure or fish, blood and bone fertlizer on that area to give the tree some food, as it may never have been fed.  If the area is dry, then try giving it 2 bucketfuls of water each week throughout the rest of the year and see if it responds.
    Your tree looks a little like it may be a Hibiscus - if so, those are from warmer climes and will only be coming into leaf about now for many in the UK.
    Yes, my hibiscus is just coming into leaf which are still tiny !

    It’s in a south-facing garden in East Anglia so it has a head start over some other areas of the country, but it’s very early in the season anywhere.
  • ahinchliffe74ahinchliffe74 Posts: 6
    Thanks a lot for your comments
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