Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001683
11/12/99
Diebacks
Symptom: Dead woody twigs and branches, generally in the
top of the canopy, are the symptom of dieback in trees and
shrubs.
Cause: Dieback may be the result of decline, canker fungi
or winter injury. Examine dead branches to determine if a
canker is present at the basal end of the dead portion of
the branch. A canker in this position is usually swollen.
If the dieback is not due to cankers and the plant
otherwise is vigorously growing and healthy, then winter
kill is a possible cause. Winter kill of branches is most
common in trees and shrubs that are not well adapted to
cold climates. About once every 10 years, an especially
cold winter will descend on the north central states and
will injure numerous trees and shrubs growing beyond their
native range.
Control for dieback due to winter injury: Replace plants
with cold-tolerant cultivars. Otherwise, prune out
dead branches.
Control for dieback due to fungal cankers: Refer to
Cankers.
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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