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Top Questions About California Pepper Tree

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Questions About California Pepper Tree

  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    March 8, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to see the damage.

    Ultimately, too much water may have allowed the fungus to enter the tree. In order to kill the fungus (if it is a curable one) will be to take away the conditions in which it will thrive. Since these conditions are quite the opposite of what the tree prefers, it will be quite easy to restore the environmental balance, unless rain is constant in your area.

    Make sure that the soil has plenty of time to dry, thoroughly, down to about 3 or 4 inches between watering, or just let nature take over. Most fungi cannot survive very well in dry soil. The tree can, however.

    A fungicide will, also, be necessary. There are many, and the best one can depend on the exact disease in question. This article will offer some information:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

    This article will offer information on the care of the tree:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pepper-tree/california-pepper-tree-care.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    April 12, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    We don't usually recommend cutting out tree roots, however suckers at the base should be removed. I hope your tree rebounds. You may continue to have problems as the Pepper tree is known for aggressive roots. They need a lot of room to roam and I don't see it there. It is surrounded by a fence as well as hardscaping. You may want to consider moving your tree or replacing it with a smaller tree. None of the resources I checked mention fertilizing the tree. I would make sure it has sufficient water, though, to ease the healing.

    Here is more:

    https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/schinus-molle

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pepper-tree/california-pepper-tree-care.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/shaving-down-tree-roots.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/exposed-tree-roots.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/problem-tree-roots.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    May 6, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This University of CA article doesn't sound encouraging. It says they grow up to 40 feet tall and have aggressive roots and drop litter. Some consider them an invasive weed.

    Here's the article: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/peppertree.html

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    July 19, 2022
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It will, but not from the roots! This will come from any leaves that have fallen within the last few rainfalls. After several rains, the toxins will be at a dilution rate suitable for gardening. Still, it would hurt to amend the soil for optimal growth.

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