Rowen Tree Problem - Die Back.

BenDover · 26 February

I've got a small Rowen Tree in the back garden - can't be more than 5/6 years old when I bought it from GC. Two branches have died back on the same side of the tree, with the result that I've cut them off to stop the die back to the main trunk as it appeared the die back was creeping along the branches. They appeared to die back initially around August last year as the leaves turned from green to orange, but I thought at the time it was just the tree going into Autumn mode early because of the wet summer we'd had. The tree now looks a bit unbalanced. Is it likely that cutting the branches off will encourage it to throw out growth to even up the shape? I've looked over the rest of the tree and there doesn't appear to be any similar issues and the buds for this years leaves are all starting to swell. Any ideas what would have caused the branches to die back?

Fairygirl · 27 February

Can you post a photo or two @BenDover?
Problems with die back on rowans are often due to physical damage to the branches, causing bacteria etc to get in. It can be as simple as birds sitting on the branches, or other animals eating them - deer for example. Damage can also be caused by weather - strong winds/rain. They can get fireblight, but if you can offer more general info about the health of the tree through the seasons - foliage etc, that will also help.

If the colouring was starting in early August, you'd either need to be living a fair bit north of me, when autumn starts earlier. If it was later August, that's pretty normal for colouring where I am. If that's not the case, it's likely down to stress from hot/dry weather and conditions. That's common in southern parts of the country.

Rowen Tree Problem - Die Back.

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