Q.
I live in Oracle, Arizona, and my 15-year-old Arizona rosewood has some dying
branches in it.
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| Not the Arizona Rosewood mentioned in the question but it is used in Las Vegas landscapes. |
A.
Dying branches usually indicate a water transport problem, mechanical damage,
diseases, chemicals or borers. Arizona rosewood is a 12- to 20-foot-tall xeric
tree native to the Sonoran deserts. It is considered a lower water use
alternative to oleanders. Arizona rosewood is so new to the landscape industry
(less than 30 years old) that not much is known about it. This may require some
detective work on your part. It should start to flower and produce small fruit
between 6 to 8 years of age so your tree should have started flowering nearly
ten years ago.
It is in the rose family so check
for damage from borers and fireblight. Other disease possibilities that may
include single branch dieback include verticillium wilt.
Even though this is a xeric plant
and can handle less frequent applications of water, make sure water is applied deeply
and occasionally during the summer particularly during dry periods. Water
applications should be about four times each year, particularly during the hot
summer months, and to a depth of about 18 inches. The water should be applied
to at least half the area under the trees canopy.
There is some discussion about its
potential sensitivity to landscape weed killers. Make sure nothing was used
close to this plant.