it has very tiny black bugs/seeds ? should i be concerned? thankyou m koonter
From just your description I can not say what issue your tree may or may not be having.
Can you send an image?
You can also take a sample to your County Extension Office.
Here are links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
What is the route system for the Vitex tree? does it grown down or does in spread out? If i keep the Vitex as a bush how does the root system spread?
The roots will, rarely, exceed 3 feet deep. These will be spread out between 1 and 2 feet, for the majority of the roots. This article will give you more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
I have a mature Chaste tree and its's bloom is more cream with just a hint of lavender. It has full sun on west side of house but it is in a bed of Knock Out roses. Would not think that would matter. What can I do to make the blooms purple ? I have two others and their blooms are purple
The older strains had small spikes of flowers in pale lilac, mauve, off-white or light pink, but modern, much improved varieties such as 'Montrose Purple', 'LeCompte', or the pink 'Salinas Pink' have more intense colors.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
how and when do I prune a young Vitex to tree form it ?
Remove some lower branches to reveal the primary stem or a limited number of multiple stems to remain.
Prune the lower lateral growth from the selected stems as the tree grows taller.
We're in 7a hardiness zone, very little rain, very hot sun in summers. I don't know if the soil is considered acidic or base. It's very dry and rocky. Sort of a dessert region, sandy soil.
Plant in spring after last frost. It can grow in Zone 7 but may freeze back and regrow each year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
We scratched the bark and they seem alive. The trees are various heights and are not new. Thank you!
The tree is trying to develop blooms but it looks very dry and brown.
You have not indicated the growing conditions and if the tree has irrigation or not, but that is the first thing to consider, water, too much or too little.
Vitex is a drought tolerant tree, but Phoenix is brutally hot and dry and your chaste tree may need a once month deep watering. On the other hand, they can be overwatered and subject to root rot.
There is a common insect pest, thrips. And a fungal leaf spot disease that is known to infect vitex.
But from what you have said about brown leaves on the sun exposed areas, I suspect water deficit and sunburn drying.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm