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I have a rose of sharon that was quite a tall tree when I bought my house 6 years ago. It has been bautiful until recently. It had two large appeared to be either struck by lighting or split or something near the base. I removed one of the bases that appeared completely damaged and pruned back the other half considerably before winter. I also surronded the base with large rocks to prevent any critters from getting at the base and assist with drainage. This spring it still had not had any leaves as of June and cutting off a few branches, they were quite dry. I assumed I had lost the battle and sadly began cutting off most of the branches. I'm left with the main trunk and two large main branches that were too big to cut down with clippers. Now it is the start of July and suddenly little green sprouts are popping up all over what I removed. Now what? I had lost hope this would ever come back and now it appears I crippled it. The area gets good water and such - the garden near it is growing wildly! The trunk still doesn't seem all that stable though. Is this the type of tree that if I cut it completely back will sprout fresh? What should I do? I'd love to save it!! Thank-you!
I posted this on another thread, but was suggested I create a new one and include a pic so here it is!
aftrshock:
I understand your compassion to want to save "an old friend," but I think it's time to let go of this one. If any of the new growth looks strong, you might want to clip it to try and propogate it, but otherwise the existing tree needs to be removed and replaced.
It may be old age and infirmities and the best bet is to cut it off at the ground and replace it.
Mine that are 20 - 30 years old have started dieing, but the seedlings (some billion per plant) are growing strong. I now have a sunny spot near the woodline that I am growing replacements in.
