Monkey Puzzle Tree looking yellow

[gemma36]

Hi everyone,
Looking for some help with my monkey puzzle tree. It about 35 years old and over the last few years has looked less and less healthy. It has had, at times, leakage of sap coming from the trunk in various places. We have over the years, taken away at least three levels of lower branches. I have not seen any new growth from the top for a couple of years. It is now looking yellowy on some of the branches and even some of the higher branches have turned brown. I am really worried now that it has some sort of disease or that we cannot help it. Please can anyone advise? Thanks

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @gemma36

What an interesting tree! One thing it isn't suffering from is old age...as they can live 700 hundred years.

Have you tried feeding it?

 

[oneeye]

Don't make the mistake that more water is needed and over water the plant when you see yellow. After having a tree for 35 years I would say the soil is compacted. I would very gently work the soil around the tree and keep it cultivated and loose. Don't let the soil compact anywhere under the tree canopy. Very Gently Work the soil to the outer edge of the tree line. You can add and work some composted compost into the soil, top dress around the base and under the whole canopy. Keep turning your soil.

 

[DiggersJo]

I've seen numerous bushes and trees here in the UK that are struggling due to the prolonged lack of rain over recent months/years. Although we have had recent deluges it has not been enough or for long enough to penetrate the dry earth. I'd hate to think what it would take to correct your situation with such big trees.

 

[cpp gardener]

Rather than muck around under the tree with a shovel, unless there is a frequently used path under the tree leading to a compaction issue, just add a thick (6” or more) layer of arborist chippings or coarsely chopped branches and leaves under it all the way out to the branch tips. The action of soil microorganisms will break down that mulch and loosen the soil for you without damaging any roots.

Has there been any change in the surrounding garden that matches the change to the tree?
Big changes in rainfall?

Overall the tree looks pretty healthy and I wouldn’t worry too much.