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Monkey puzzle tree turned brown

smile100190cVGF_wXUsmile100190cVGF_wXU Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hello. We bought a new property October 2020 and the monkey puzzle tree in the front garden was completely green, since then it has been steadily turning brown from the bottom up. Fast forward to now (early 2023) and the tree is completely brown. As it started turning brown I watered it in the summer trying to help but it hasn't. Also when branches fall off in strong winds the centres are rotten but there is some green growth right at the very very top tips. There is also a lot of sap veins on the trunk.

Question 1) Is it too far gone..? (I suspect so)
Question 2) I'd love to know what went wrong as I'd like to grow another one and not let whatever has killed this on kill the next!

Thank you

Posts

  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    It could be phytophthora ramorum. These trees are highly susceptible to the disease. I know of three local to me that have died from it. You could ask your local Forestry Commision (or the equivalent of it) for their advice. If it is p. ramorum the tree will have to come down. 
    Fingers crossed it isn't that.
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I think Uff is right re the Phytophthora but that tree is at an end whatever the cause


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    Sadly it might be a blessing they get very BIG. There was one in a local park that also succumbed.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Afraid it is a goner.
    The good news is, they are really not suitable tress for that location.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    I agree with others and if it were mine I'd look at as a blessing in disguise. Although they are shallow rooted compared to most trees yours is near enough to yours and your neighbours houses to cause root damage to the foundations if it got much bigger. 
    As @GardenerSuze says they grow huge, I think about 60-70ft, so are only suitable for very big gardens They are parkland trees.
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • smile100190cVGF_wXUsmile100190cVGF_wXU Posts: 4
    Thank you all for the advice I think it is time for the old fella to come down, its not the right spot for him and now he’s gone brown I think that cements it. Getting a bit dangerous now the arms are dropping they can cause some real damage. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Loads of them around here - often very close to properties, but they've never been a problem. 
    I know I'm in the minority when I say I like them though. 
    Yours certainly isn't happy though @smile100190cVGF_wXU which is a pity. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • smile100190cVGF_wXUsmile100190cVGF_wXU Posts: 4
    @Fairygirl I really like it too it’s a lovely one. It’s a shame indeed. 
  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    You can grow another.
  • smile100190cVGF_wXUsmile100190cVGF_wXU Posts: 4
    Thanks for the advice everyone, ive been told that you can see the fungus / disease here in the trunk now the tree is down the black ring is where it has started then from there the wood is softer and very sappy.


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