Does anyone know if there is a virus which is affecting these atractive trees. Mine and a neighbours trees have not started to grow yet this year. We realise they are late bloomers and each year they eventually start forming leaves by now but this year, so far, there is nothing happening.
douggym Sun 11/05/08 14:49
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Well I've got one (expect you guessed!) and it's only just come into leaf these past couple of days...I'm nr Derby, where are you? Don't give up on it yet, if you're in a cold area it's probably just holding back.
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Yup I'm with Robinia, by the end of May you'll be wondering what you were worrying about. Make a note in your diary when the first leaves break this year. I (rather sadly!) did that with my flowering cherry last year as each year we were sure it was flowering earlier. Guess what, the first flowers broke on 25th March...........as they also did last year!
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I am having the same problem. On my Robinia some leaves have appeared but many of the branches are bare and appear dead. It is too late to hope that the tree will fully blossom now. I suspect there is a virus. Perhaps the RHS might have information as to whether these tress are suffering from a virus. It is sad to see such a beautiful tree in decline.
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Question Author
Hi TreeConcern, thank for the reply. Perhaps we will follow up on your suggestion. We wonder if this is a countrywide occurence ( or non occurence). We are in the South near the isle of Wight . Are you in this region or is it a wider issue?
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Hello douggym.
I live in Hertfordshire and thus, like you, in the South of England. My local council has a Robinia in its grounds. I noticed today that although it is in bloom it in fact has quite a few bare branches.
I will try on Monday to contact someone at Kew Gardens to ask if they know of any problem. Perhaps you can make enquiries with the RHS. I will let you know how I get on.
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It is their habit to shed branches, especially older trees, but
I really hope there isn't going to be a problem...I've always said if I could only have one thing in my garden it would be the robinia.
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Hello Douggym
Do you want the good news first? Well I'm sorry there isn't any.
I contacted Kew this morning and they told me to contact the Tree Advice Service on premiun rate number 09065 161147 (£1.50 per minute). I declined.. Their website www.treehelp.info had a link however to The Arboricultural Association at Ampfield House, Hampshire. A knowledgable chap / expert there informed me that he was aware of the problem and that quite a few other people had contacted him about this matter. He stated the problem was 'country wide' The CAUSE IS NOT KNOWN. He said he would ring some research people, or whatever, and get back to me with any further info. if indeed there is any. At the time of writing this I haven't heard back from him. Green leave Robinias are not suffering same fate, so he said.
I asked if my own tree with some small growth had any chance of surviving and he seriously doubted such a possibility.
I am trying to contact WHICH and WHICH Gardening to inform them of the problem if they don't already know about it. The matter needs to be given publicity in order to elicit the cause. The tree was developed, I understand, in Holland and I wonder if anybody there knows the cause.
If you or anybody else finds further information then I would be grateful to know. I will update on any more info I get. WHICH has just rung me and I have informed them about this problem.
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Question Author
Well done Treeconcern.
I have not had an opportunity to folow up yet but you have been working hard. I will pass on your report to my neighbour with the other Robinia who has more time, so she may well assist. Thank you .
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