No doubt, you eagerly watch your trees, waiting for them to pop to life–full of color, leaves and flowers.
But maybe this year the clock is a little off, and the buds still aren’t breaking.
Use the tips below to get to the root of the problem, and figure out the best way to help your tree.
Why are my tree’s buds not opening and turning into leaves?
If your Spartanburg tree has buds, but no leaves, there’s likely a good reason the buds remain cooped up.
For example:
The Spartanburg tree is a late-bloomer and won’t produce leaves until summer.
Some plants hold off on blooming, just in case temperatures drastically drop.
A fungal disease like verticillium wilt could be the problem.
The Spartanburg tree has a structural issue, restricted root system or poor soil that prevents it from gaining the energy it needs to grow properly.
Sometimes Spartanburg trees with thin bark or Spartanburg trees planted in the wrong zone can have wood and buds that become damaged and don’t leaf out.
What can I do if my Spartanburg tree has buds, but no leaves?
Bare canopies often point to Spartanburg tree stress. Your Spartanburg tree likely wants to bloom, so it can use its leaves to create more food. But, at the same time, the Spartanburg tree may be too weak to make that happen.
Help your Spartanburg tree by creating and enacting a proper plant health care plan all year—not just when there’s a problem. Adequate water, mulch and fertilizer will help your Spartanburg tree remain healthy and survive trying times.
Will my Spartanburg tree die if its buds are not turning into leaves?
It’s easy to find out if your Spartanburg tree will be OK. Here’s how:
First, pinch a few buds sporadically throughout the tree. If they’re green and moist on the inside, these plant health care tips should be all your Spartanburg tree needs. But if the Spartanburg tree buds are black and shriveled, that’s an in issue, and your Spartanburg tree needs a visit from the Spartanburg tree doctor.
Then, inspect the Spartanburg tree for signs of infestation. Look for sawdust, tiny holes in the bark, streaks under the bark, oozing cankers or anything else unusual. Call an arborist if you see something worrisome.