Q:Β Our olive tree was planted about three years ago and most recently has developed a growth on the trunk and throughout other areas of the tree. We are concerned that this might kill the tree and spread to other plants. Would appreciate your input on what growth might be and what we can do the properly treat it.
A:Β The growths you are seeing are called epicormic sprouts. These are often seen as a response to stress in a tree. In healthy trees, these buds remain dormant under the bark, held in check by growth regulators produced in the treeβs crown. If the crown has been damaged or pruned heavily, the tree may respond by producing these shoots to expand the amount of leaves for photosynthesis. Other causes may include a sudden change in environmental conditions and disease. If you want to remove these sprouts, itβs best not to remove them all at once, causing further stress, so remove no more than one-third at a time. The tree would likely produce more of them anyway. If you know of any changes in the tree or surrounding area, such as recent pruning or damage, that would help narrow down why the tree is responding in this way and possibly offer a way to mitigate a recurrence.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Email questions to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
