Help tree dying!!!

Hello

I really need some help, I have an established tree in my garden that for the last few years has been getting less and less leaves on it. This year it appears to be even worse.


not sure if it’s an apple or cherry (never seen any fruit on it)



one side of the tree now looks completely dead, however I have checked under the bark and it still appears alive.


something else to add is that it most likely has some root damage due to a heavy handed landscaper using a mini digger to remove some old turf.


Can anything be done to save it???

 

Hi Dieter

Root damage is an all too common problem trees suffer with when work is carried out to the garden. Generally speaking 90% of the tree's water absorbing roots can be found in the top 900mm of soil. As well as the damage caused by the digger removing the turf you can also probably expect soil compaction which can reduce soil water and air availability. The prudent thing would have been to remove any turf around the tree by hand, but what's done is done.

Fixes can include aerating the soil and watering the tree plenty, especially if it's been dry lately. Keep an eye on any dead patches and monitor the tree through the year. Dead limbs may have to be removed entirely. It may come back, given time.