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Box Elder trees

carolyn.banhamcarolyn.banham Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Why do my box elder trees have two different types of leaf? One is small, varigated and rather curly and weedy looking. They grow up the trunk and favour the lower branches. The other leaves are green and lush and populate the upper branches. I'm sure these leaves have only been around in the last couple of years. It's very odd and no-one seems to know what I'm talking about! Hope someone on here can offer an explanation - tried to google it but no luck.

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    The variegated weedy leaves are probably the original tree. The healthy green parts are most likely reversion. Failure to remove those shoots can result in those branches taking over. And it does sound like this may have happened. 

    You can always post a photo of your tree. 
  • carolyn.banhamcarolyn.banham Posts: 2
    Thank you, I think you're right, we haven't cut them back in a long time. What would you now advise though? To be frank, I have always been disappointed with the weedy leaves and thought as the tree matured the leaves would look better. My husband plans to chop it back later this year. It does need it but looks rather nice at the moment and we have bird feeders hanging from the branches so it's full of birds! 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    It all depends on what portion has now taken over. If it is predominantly green, then I would leave it. Variegated leaves tend to get weaker and weaker if too many branches have return to full green colour. 

    This is why it's important to prune out reverted leaves early otherwise they take over. Without seeing seeing any photos, it's hard to advise. If you like the full green colour, I would just leave it or prune off the variegated leaves. You need to do this whilst in leaf, so anytime now to autumn.
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