loss of Robinia and leylandia

[frankofile]

This is really 2 questions. We have a 6 year old Robinia (false acacia), and a row of 3 year old Leylandia opposite one another. Last year the robinia looked less than happy, and this year only one branch has leaves. This year the Leylandia, ( 8 ft tall) 2 of them have died suddenly. Is there any connection, and can I stop it spreading to the other Leylandia. Also can the robinia recover, or should I dig it out?

[woofgang]

I don't know if there is a connection but Robinas are prone to dying for no particular reason. Mine looked sickly last year and this year is dead altogether. I have a very nice knowledgable landscape gardener who comes in to do my trees and when I asked him last year he said that robinias just did this sometimes...all you can do is leave it to see if it will recover and then take it oit or take it out while it is dying off.

[Robinia]

I don't know about a connection either frankofile but robinias the length & breadth of the country are dying & no one has found a reason up to now. My own has been shedding leaves & quite a lot of small dead branches since the spring but thankfully it's hanging on in there. The RHS have been working on the problem for a couple of years & the wet weather could be a factor. Luckily I've got very free draining soil but I blame the weather (or the government) for everything. :o)
Sadly, with only one living branch I doubt that yours will recover & because they're very brittle any dead branches could be dangerous.


ps I've just had a look & your leylandii problem could be aphids...and guess what they're blaming for that? Yes, good old climate change :o(

[woofgang]

the olnly healthy one around here is in a local person's front garden right by the gate in a very poor dry but sunny position. Every year they hack it back viciously...like a pollarded oak, and every year it comes back stronger than before

[Robinia]

That must be the answer then woofy...do you fancy helping me move mine into the front garden?