This is our Chinese Pistache Tree. It has started losing some leaves after they turn yellow. We gave it compost at the start of spring.....should we feed again?
Any clue what's wrong??
I'm not sure, but I don't think the problem is nutrients. I'd guess that the problem might be water. Is it in a low spot that maybe doesn't drain well? We've had a lot of rain here in the past few weeks, but I don't know how much Austin has had. Depending on how long it's been planted, it may not have enough root system to handle new top growth. I'd hold off feeding and maybe hit it with root stimulator if it's not been in ground that long. Our summer temps will often cause trees that aren't yet well established to drop leaves. I have a Chinese Pistache too, and as far as I know, there's no common disease or pest problems.
I hope this is of some help.
Crow
Yeah, it's fairly soggy here, especially for this time of year. Plus a lot of trees were so badly stressed last year. I'd probably just wait it out. You might take a look at how the mulch is around the base, make sure it's back from the trunk and maybe do a little fluffing if you think the area needs to be drying out faster. (But ok, I have to admit, I'd just as soon have a bigtooth maple.)
I've heard different things about how long-lived chinese pistache are, but yours looks slender enough that it surely isn't just old and decrepit yet.
The tree has been in for about 3 years now. Perhaps it's just water logged with all our rain. Will wait and see......thank you all. It's so nice to bounce these things off other gardeners.
As for the Maple.....we have a Maple in a different area of the yard....but a Shantung Maple...(Texas All Star).....still gives great fall color, as does the Pistache.