Q: We have a large acacia tree (the trunk is about 22 inches diameter) that is dropping leaves. We are wondering if it simply needs to be wateredΒ (though other acacia trees in the neighborhood are not getting watered and not dropping leaves). It also needs to be pruned, is there a person/company that you would recommend or can we do this ourselves?
A:Β Drought is certainly one reason trees drop leaves. I just checked the sweet acacia at our office and it is dropping leaves as well. It gets no water except rain. Desert trees like the acacia could use water every two to three weeks in the summer to a depth of 36 inches.
They can survive without for some time, but eventually they show symptoms. There are going to be differences between trees wherever you go and itβs hard to say without seeing them all what factors might be affecting these trees. Trees also lose leaves for other reasons such as pests and diseases.
If you examine some of the leaves under a magnifier you might see symptoms or signs of these potential problems. I would be glad to examine some if you want to bring them to my office. A good sample will include a small branch with some leaves still attached freshly pruned from the tree so anything living might be still attached.
Putting the sample in a zip lock bag will keep things contained until I can see them.
You can prune yourself as long as you know a little something about pruning. Itβs not rocket science but there are some basic guidelines to help you take good care of your tree.
The following link will show you a publication on pruning that should help. If you decide to hire someone instead, there is a link below to the International Society of Arboristry web site that allows you to look up local arborists to consider.
extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1139.pdf
