Catalpa Trees Questions & Answers

Q. Nana Catalpa Tree

We have an umbrella Catalpa tree, which is about 50 years old. It does not flower and is only about 15 feet tall. A shoot has grown up at the base of the tree (last year), which is now taller than the original tree, and seems to have reverted to original catalpa form. The tree is not doing well. What should be done? The tree burns badly in August here in Texas and we thought perhaps the shade would be good.

Answered by
villiers on
April 27, 2015

Your 50 year old catalpa should certainly be higher than 15 feet, even if it's a golden one. The new shoot may have come off the root stock if the tree was grafted; I suggest you cut down the old tree and see
how the new one develops-I doubt you could move it at this stage to a more shaded site, which would be ideal.
Henry Villiers

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Asked by
bikes1 on
July 28, 2015

Q. cutting Catalpa Tree beans off

Can I cut the beans off the Catalpa tree without causing any harm to it? It would be so much easier to clean by cutting before they dry, drop their beans then fall to the ground.

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
July 29, 2015
Certified Expert

Yes, you can do this, though it could be difficult to get at all the pods.
Every 2 to 3 years the tree produces a large amount of pods!

From experience, raking them as soon as they drop is the easiest clean up!
Best of luck.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/catalpa/catalpa-tree-planting.htm

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Asked by
angie1 on
May 24, 2016

Q. Catalpa tree

My catalpa tree bark is starting to peel off. It’s about 15 years old. Is this normal? It’s never done this before and buds on branches are starting to show.

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
May 26, 2016
Certified Expert

Examine the leaves to look for signs of curling, yellowing or wilting.
These could be signs of Verticillium Wilt. Left untreated it can kill a tree.

Look for signs of Catalpa Worms. They can attack the tree in large numbers and can cause a severe defoliation.

Rabbits are attracted to the bark of the Catalpa Tree. They will eat the bark that they can reach and if enough damage is done, the tree can die.

Pruning excessively or incorrectly can cause problems. Disease and fungus can enter the trees wounds and lead to wood rot.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/catalpa/catalpa-tree-planting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/verticillium-wilt-treatment.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
July 12, 2016

Q. Catalpa tree has no blooms

Why is it that my 5 year old Catalpa tree has no blooms? I planted it from seed. It is in the shade. I live on Hilton Head Island. It is 30 ft and full of leaves.

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
July 13, 2016
Certified Expert

You can try adding phosphorous in the early spring to encourage buds to form.
Bone Meal is a good way to do this.
Here is a few links for you with more information and you can review the growing conditions.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/catalpa/catalpa-tree-planting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm
https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_cabi8.pdf

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