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What can I do to save my Eucalyptus?

jamesantbird8LpX_BFXjamesantbird8LpX_BFX Posts: 5
in Problem solving
I’m not a pro gardener but love how my garden has shaped up over the last year or two but my Eucalyptus tree which shot up over the summer has definitely got something wrong. Probably neglected the problem as we’ve just had a baby but is there anything I can do to save it and stop the spread of the brown spotty leaves on the attached?

thanks

Posts

  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,718
    jamesantbird8LpX_BFX I don't grow eucalyptus but someone with more knowledge will come along. It looks as if the grass is growing right up to the trunk of the tree? The tree will be competing for nutrients with the grass so you need to remove the grass probably about two foot all round the trunk. I expect the weather has not helped your tree either!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    The upper part of your tree and growing point look unaffected at the moment.  Eucalyptus are really thirsty trees and I suspect that last year's drought and an unusual winter have taken their toll.  Once you've cleared around the base, give your tree plenty of water, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.  Continue to keep it well watered over summer, while the roots are getting established and growing deeper. Don't feed it at the moment but top the soil with an organic mulch which will help to retain water. 

    I no longer grow Eucalyptus in my garden because the soil is too sandy and dry.  They can get to be very big trees, so bear that in mind.  I used to pollard mine by reducing the trunk to about three feet above ground level, but it still remained thirsty!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • jamesantbird8LpX_BFXjamesantbird8LpX_BFX Posts: 5
    Thanks for the feedback! I read that there’s a thing called Eucalyptus Rust which sound like the little dots on the leaves. It’s actually got a bit worse since that picture. I’ll try taking some of the grass away from the base and giving it a good water. Do you think a chemical spray on the leaves could help get rid of any potential fungus?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited May 2023
    I bought one many years ago and as said above they do get to be HUGE trees.
    I bought the one below for £1.99 about 30yrs ago. About 20yrs later it cost £1100 to have it removed.
    10 yrs on the stump has finally rotted and the level of soil in that area has dropped by over 1ft.

    They're best kept pruned hard every year to stop them getting like mine!



    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I would definitely prune that back @jamesantbird8LpX_BFX. It'll hellp it recover, and will become a multi stem shrub instead. You'll then get the benefit of better foliage [the young foliage is a better colour] and you also won't end up with @Pete.8's problem  ;)

    If they're happy - they become huge. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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