Is My Ponkan Tree Dead?

Question

We have a Ponkan tree that we planted when it was about a year old. It grew just fine until this past winter when the temps were at record lows. Now, in March, our little tree is leafless and the branches appear dead. However, there are a few green buds coming out of the trunk about two inches from the ground. Do you think this means the tree is okay? Is there anything we can do? Perhaps trim off all the branches?

Answer 1

If you see green buds, this means that the tree is still alive and can recover, though it may take some time. I would not do anything just yet to the tree. Give it some time and see if perhaps some of the higher branches have also survived. After a month of so, you can trim away branches that have not shown any signs of life.