Fern tree problem

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Paul Norfolk, Jan 14, 2026 at 5:04 PM.

  1. Paul Norfolk

    Paul Norfolk Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2020
    Messages:
    17
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Office worker
    Location:
    Essex
    Ratings:
    +5
    Hi all,
    See attached pics. My fern tree is in real trouble and I think it’s probably dead but any advice much appreciated.

    Many thanks
    Paul
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Plantminded

    Plantminded Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2024
    Messages:
    2,671
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Wirral
    Ratings:
    +8,976
    It looks like a conifer that has reached a critical point, possibly due to lack of water. I’m sorry to say that I don’t think it has a future.
     
    • Agree Agree x 5
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

      Joined:
      Jan 9, 2005
      Messages:
      56,956
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Mid Kent
      Ratings:
      +111,857
      Looks like an old christmas tree.
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • Spruce

        Spruce Glad to be back .....

        Joined:
        Apr 10, 2009
        Messages:
        9,168
        Gender:
        Male
        Ratings:
        +12,868
        lol tree fern that’s the best joke this year
         
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        56,956
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +111,857
        Probably a spruce, Spruce.
         
        • Funny Funny x 1
        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

          Joined:
          Jun 3, 2008
          Messages:
          34,236
          Gender:
          Male
          Location:
          Surrey
          Ratings:
          +54,438
          And grown in peat pete
           
          • Funny Funny x 1
          • NigelJ

            NigelJ Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Jan 31, 2012
            Messages:
            9,402
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Mad Scientist
            Location:
            Paignton Devon
            Ratings:
            +29,775
            I think it's a typo fern instead of fir (damn phones)
            However it's still dead or nearly so.
             
            • Informative Informative x 2
            • Agree Agree x 1
            • CanadianLori

              CanadianLori Total Gardener

              Joined:
              Sep 20, 2015
              Messages:
              10,939
              Occupation:
              Battle Axe
              Location:
              Oakville, Ontario, Canada Zone 5A
              Ratings:
              +37,337
              Hello,
              It does look quite terminal. I hope giving it more water will help but those lower branches won't come back. Maybe the top will be will survive and you could plant a garden around it's base to make it look purposeful. Even a little tropical?
               
            • Adam I

              Adam I Super Gardener

              Joined:
              Nov 22, 2023
              Messages:
              637
              Gender:
              Male
              Occupation:
              Hijinks
              Location:
              Hampshire
              Ratings:
              +982
              conifers are bizzarely fickle in human cultivation, but in the wild can grow on rock :rolleyespink:
               
              • Agree Agree x 2
              Loading...

              Share This Page

              1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                Dismiss Notice