Q: I am writing to you hoping you can tell me what I am doing wrong. My home is in the 85718 zip code. The area in question faces north. This is the second tree I lost in a couple of years in the same spot. I am sending you pictures so you can see the details. We water religiously, slowly for hours once a week. The area gets sun and shade, yet I have no luck with my trees here. We are getting ready to remove this dead tree and try yet another one. Not sure what yet since I would like to discover what the problem is first. Any insight and advice you provide will be appreciated.
A:Β The place where this tree is planted is not suitable for a tree because the size of the area of soil for roots to grow is too small. The soil area should be twice the width of the crown of the mature tree if you want it to be healthy and long-lived. In addition, the soil area is surrounded by patio and that will reflect sun onto the plant like an oven. I recommend you select a small shrub for this area, preferably one that does well in our desert climate so it can tolerate the heat radiating off the hardscape. Perhaps a fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla) or the Baja fairy duster (Calliandra californica) would be nice since they provide flowers and are attractive to hummingbirds.
Peter L. Warren is the forest health program coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Questions, photos and videos may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
