African Sumac Tree

Question

Growth (leaves) is dying in some of the branches in our 8 year old African Sumac tree. The companion Sumac tree about 50 yards away is healthy and thriving. What can we do to save the tree that is suffering the loss of healthy branches?

Answer 1

This could be a problem with either overwatering or underwatering, or a disease problem. Overwatering could occur if your soil has poor drainage.

See this article about cotton root rot, a disease which can affect African sumac and which could cause dying leaves and branches:

http://www.azlca.com/uploads/documents/03-cotton-texas-root-rot.pdfRoot rot or crown rot

This tree can also be infected by verticillium wilt disease. See this article:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/verticillium-wilt-treatment.htm

You may also want to consult an arborist or your local extension service to see what can be done.