Sudden loss of canopy

[Steve Mac]

We didn't, but should have, seen it coming. Our 30 odd year old Japanese Maple, that we took for granted, this year just didn't sprout all of it's new leaves in spring as it usually would. And it appeared to have just died overnight. What we only noticed in hindsight was that the leaf litter from the Maple had been deducing in the last few years, and the last leaves to blow away were the last ones that we would see.

Subsequently we have about a dozen different Chamys which are now being fried or need removal and to be squeezed in somewhere else. I am slowly cutting the dead Maple back, we are not sure what to do with the stump, tiki time, tillandsia or Brom time or stump grinder time. The foxtail needs to go too, I think that I can do that, first seeds and all.

We are putting in a couple of C. cooperii and a flowering plum (Pyrus) for the return of shade as soon as possible. 

[Kim]

I feel your pain. 

My garden in Hawaii lost 90% of the native canopy trees due to a fungal disease that killed trees in a few days, no remedy. They would go leafless and the very tall trunks threatening all below for years. Spent more than a few bucks on tree removal over the years. Then there was a hurricane that came ashore as a tropical storm, knocking down anything slightly unsteady. That was 6 years ago and still the garden suffers from overexposure. The group of sunburned Pelagodoxa have had a rough time, but are still growing. They will make it.

Finally some of the larger palms are tall enough to provide some shade, but the two blows to the canopy completely changed the entire acre. There are avocado trees that provide shade -- and endless sprouting avocado trees. And now they are subject to defoliation by some insect. The Michaelia alba I planted is growing very fast and making shade, but the native tree I planted is still a small stick after something like 5 or 6 years. Gardening is not for wimps!

I hope you will be able to restore canopy to the palms you wish to keep. Best of luck!

[Steve Mac]

Thanks Kim, 

      In the scale of things I know that I am not doing badly. Having an acre of the same problem would devastate me or send me to another hobby.

I do wonder sometimes how people in much worse situations to me, like you, do cope. 

In my case I am thinking of increasing my collection of Pet Rocks, rather than Chamaedoreas.   

[Jim in Los Altos]

Why does that beautiful Foxtail have to go? 

[Neil C]

Could you erect some sort of temporary shade shelter just until the worst of the summer sun is over?

Regards Neil

[Steve Mac]

Jim,

            Yes, it one of those, add up the plus's and minus's situations, and should we solve a problem early rather than with more problems and expense later, sort of thing.

I am not too redneck to not consider my neighbour since I thoughtlessly did plant the palm so that the leaves do drop into their place (now). They do have plants, pets and grandchildren. But as a weak defence, when I put that 6" seedling in over 10 years ago, I could not see the future, derr. It was feet away from the fence, at least 2 maybe about 3. Oh, and did I mention that they would rather that it was not there. And they are good people.

It is a mistake that I am still not able to overcome. That of imagining a palm 10 or 20 years into the future. I still cram them all too closely.

Neil,  Thanks mate,

 yes I am doing that, and I hope that it is sufficient for the future.

Anyway, enough of my 1st world problems...  

[TomJ]

I too have had similar situations.  I tend to plant things straight away and this has worked well for me.   (Fried leaves in pictures are what prompted me implement them)

I have used these same ones for 15 years in different situations.

2x4 framed shapes with shade cloth stapled to them.  Cheap metal steaks and screw them in. 

You can adjust height and remove if temperate weather is around.  Sunny event put back up.

I place on the South side of the plant which prevents growing point and trunk from direct hit.

For you maybe North side I think you are all upside down there.

Most palms seem not to mind sun directly above them compared to lower angles...  at least here for me.

But your neighbors might not like the look...   LOL

[TomJ]

Upside down pots around plants is rabbit guard

[Tracy]

3 hours ago, TomJ said:

Upside down pots around plants is rabbit guard

Tom, don't you have some rabbit hounds to keep them at bay??? 

 

23 hours ago, gtsteve said:

Subsequently we have about a dozen different Chamys which are now being fried or need removal and to be squeezed in somewhere else.

Quick and disposable shade can also be found with banana plants.  Maybe the banana plants can be an interim solution while you wait for your Pet Rocks to grow bigger. 

[Steve Mac]

Thanks guys all good ideas.