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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: Plant ProblemsSycamore tree in distress

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Sycamore tree in distress

#1 · 5th May 2023, 12:12 pm

One large branch of my sycamore tree (almost half the tree) has not come into leaf and looks dead. Is there anything I can do to save the tree?

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#2 · 6th May 2023, 7:30 am

Hi @annmarzie

Thanks for your comment and getting in touch about your Sycamore tree.

Looking at the picture, it looks like half of the tree has died. The fact one half is full of leaf and the other not suggests this.

How to tell if a tree is dead with secateurs

There is a trick you can use which is to cut off some of the laterals (side branches) of the dead side with secateurs. If they are brittle and dry they are dead. If they are green and fleshy, it's still alive.

If it is dead, as I suspect, you can still save the tree by remedial pruning. Cut back the dead side back to just above the join where the living side is. This will help conserve the energy of the tree. I'd also then cut back the living side by around 1/3 to cause the tree to send out more side shoots lower down, bushing out, to help balance the tree again.

A tree woodsaw is a good option for pruning thicker branches like this one.

(This is an affiliate link so if you do choose to buy, I receive a small commission that helps keep this blog free to use!)

It's always worthwhile trying to keep an established tree than having it ripped out.

Hope that helps!

Lee