Linden Tree

Question: I have a 5 year old linden tree that has been healthy up until about one month ago. I hope you can tell me what's going on and if it can be treated.  Thank you

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 02, 2023, 10:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That is a young tree with a weak root system. It may be heat stressed however the picture is wrong for assessing the most likely possibility, stem girdling roots from the tree being planted too deep.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/linden/branchesthin.html Please send me a picture from two views of the bottom two feet of the tree.  Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 8:47 AM EDT
response: On Jul 2, 2023, at 9:06 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 03, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back. I am concerned about your trees.  1. Can you peel with your fingers (no tools) some of the bark off that hole.  If so, I would like to see what is in there. See branch cankers https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/linden/branchesdead.html  2. The mulch should not run up to the trees that way. Mulching around trees requires some thought. Here are the answers. https://extension.psu.edu/mulching-landscape-trees#:~:text=A%20good%20rule%20of%20thumb,does%20not%20exceed%204%20inches.  3. I need to have the mulch and loose dirt pulled back base of the trees. Send me close up from 1 about a foot away of the root structure at the bottom of the tree.  I do not want to see anything higher than a foot or two off the ground.    My guess is stem girdling roots that weakened the tree for a fungal disease.   You need a tree professional to see if these can be saved. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 11:16 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response.  I cannot peel any bark away from the hole.  After scraping the mulch away from the trunk, the soil is extremely wet (like mud). Our neighbor runs his sprinkler a lot. At times there is standing water in the landscaped area where the Linden is. Not sure if that could be the issue.  Here are 2 more photos from 2 sides of the tree. On Jul 3, 2023, at 9:21 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 03, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.  Your tree is sick and should be evaluated for canker and root girdling.  Their may be some rot where the mulch trapped water next to the trunk.  Your neighbor may be overdoing it with water. The Spruce is a reliable source of information on watering.  For clay soils, water can promote weeds that have superficial weeds like creeping charlie.  For turf grass, the deeper the roots, the healthier that turf and the less likely it is to be invaded by weeds. https://www.thespruce.com/over-watering-the-lawn-2152899

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you again. I will make some calls to see if I can get someone to look at it ASAP. Do you think it’s salvageable?Sent from my iPhone On Jul 3, 2023, at 11:02 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 03, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. I am not a certified tree professional and have not put my hands in the dirt on this tree.  It needs a professional evaluation is as far as I can go. Best to you