Tree dead at top, but growing at bottom
 

Hi,

A few spring days of 100 degrees
here in Las Vegas caught me off guard,
and has killed the top of my Pepper tree

but it's now sprouting green all around the base

Where should i cut the trunk off at...if at all?
It's a newly planted tree, only about a 1.5" in diameter,
and stands about 10 feet tall.

thanks
waterboy

Tree dead at top, but growing at bottom
 

waterboy

This is a good question. I would recommend reviewing this book:
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/TPRUNING.html
If you library does not have it, ask them to order it.

Also, it sounds like you would be better starting with a healthy tree.
For correct planting and care instructions I STRONGLY "SUGGEST" this book.
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/MARBOR.html

here are some web sites that may also help you.

1. Techno Tree Biology Dictionary
http://www.treedictionary.com . Look up "logging".

2. Articles written by DR. ALEX L. SHIGO, one of the foremost authorities
worldwide on tree systems today online at
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/index.html

3. Literature Available by Dr. Shigo is he
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/treeinfo.html

4. Hard to get Documents
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT20...get/index.html


If you have any suggestions please let me know. 610-864-5251

John A. Keslick, Jr.
Tree Biologist
http://mercury.ccil.org/~treeman/
Beware of so-called TREE EXPERTS who do not understand TREE BIOLOGY!
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.





wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

A few spring days of 100 degrees
here in Las Vegas caught me off guard,
and has killed the top of my Pepper tree

but it's now sprouting green all around the base

Where should i cut the trunk off at...if at all?
It's a newly planted tree, only about a 1.5" in diameter,
and stands about 10 feet tall.

thanks
waterboy

Tree dead at top, but growing at bottom
 

Where in Vegas do you live? If I were you, I'd replace the tree. If you
want, you can let it grow up from the base/roots - let the healthiest
shoot(s) grow and see what it does. Probably won't look as good is it would
have otherwise.

Did you keep the tree well watered? By now it's been 100+ for a while in
Vegas. Your tree has been in trouble for a long time, you just didn't know
it. I lived near Nellis for a while, and in Henderson for several years.
I"ve lost several trees, and by the time I realized the tree was in trouble,
it was too late. Young trees (and mature trees) need regular deep watering
during spring, summer and fall in Vegas, and some water in winter does not
hurt.



wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

A few spring days of 100 degrees
here in Las Vegas caught me off guard,
and has killed the top of my Pepper tree

but it's now sprouting green all around the base

Where should i cut the trunk off at...if at all?
It's a newly planted tree, only about a 1.5" in diameter,
and stands about 10 feet tall.

thanks
waterboy

Tree dead at top, but growing at bottom
 

I live in Southwest LV

I planted the pepper tree late last fall,
without a water system (that's why I got in trouble)
but now I have a Drip system installed.

I wanted to keep the tree, because it's alive,
and I'm really not concerned about looks
(it's in the back-yard)

I thought there might be something "standard"
done in this situation -- short of replacing it.
But, maybe I'll experiment, by cutting
some of the dead/top off until it look reasonable.

thanks
waterboy

Tree dead at top, but growing at bottom
 

On 24 Jun 2006 16:45:03 -0700, wrote:

I live in Southwest LV

I planted the pepper tree late last fall,
without a water system (that's why I got in trouble)
but now I have a Drip system installed.

I wanted to keep the tree, because it's alive,
and I'm really not concerned about looks
(it's in the back-yard)

I thought there might be something "standard"
done in this situation -- short of replacing it.
But, maybe I'll experiment, by cutting
some of the dead/top off until it look reasonable.

thanks
waterboy
You can just cut it above the highest green shoots and see what
happens. It sounds like this will result in a lopped-off trunk, which
is not a good things for most trees. The new sprouts are probably not
attached as well as the original branch structure. If there is any
property or human activity under the tree, I would remove it now
before it can get big and heavy. If it is in the open lawn, I'd say
give saving it a try, if you are so inclined. Just don't expect too
much for your efforts. Consider planting a replacement this fall to
hedge your bets.

Keith Babberney
IS Certified Arborist #TX-0236AT