Lilac not coming back! But not dead.

[Antony82]

This year my lilac tree on one side did not come back yet, I took a cutting from it and it was still green and I put it in the ground and it took. The other side looks fine. But this side has trunk damage from deer.

I’m giving it lots of nitrogen now seeing as how it’s over a month behind the other tree and still has no leaves and other side is already flowering.

Any advice on how to save this tree?

I’m debating if I should take an air layer but I figured I’d ask before doing something so dramatic.. it really is a nice tree same to see it like this.

 

[TimberLakers]

Doesn't look very promising unfortunately given how nice the other one looks.

Are tips / branch cuttings still looking ok?

 

[rockm]

This year my lilac tree on one side did not come back yet, I took a cutting from it and it was still green and I put it in the ground and it took. The other side looks fine. But this side has trunk damage from deer.

I’m giving it lots of nitrogen now seeing as how it’s over a month behind the other tree and still has no leaves and other side is already flowering.

Any advice on how to save this tree?

I’m debating if I should take an air layer but I figured I’d ask before doing something so dramatic.. it really is a nice tree same to see it like this.

Stop giving it nitrogen. It's likely a root issue, damaged roots can't function. The nitrogen isn't helping and could actually speed up whatever is ailing the tree. Air layering depends on active strong growth above the air layer. Air layering a sick tree could also push it in a bad direction.

Let it alone. There's not much you can do but wait until it pushes growth.

 

[Antony82]

Well I just watch it and see what happens but in anyhow How possible be to create a patio tree that actually looks like this?

 

[TimberLakers]

Well I just watch it and see what happens but in anyhow How possible be to create a patio tree that actually looks like this?

Wire up the trunk of a young one and then stick it in ground for ~10 years.

 

[Antony82]

Seeing how easy grafting is I see no reason a woven trunk wouldn't be possible idk about completely braided.

 

[Antony82]

I think it has to be grown and woven simultaneously.

 

[Antony82]

Also, another question deer seem to be the Bane of my existence what spray can I spray on my tree to avoid these giant rats from eating my trees also what good general fertilizer pest control to keep my trees healthy I using

12 Mo Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed II Granules inside tea bags currently.​

 

[bonsaichile]

Seeing how easy grafting is I see no reason a woven trunk wouldn't be possible idk about completely braided.

Lilac trunks form those spiral veins naturally with age

 

[Antony82]

Doesn't look very promising unfortunately given how nice the other one looks.

Are tips / branch cuttings still looking ok?

Yes branch cutting are fine tree is dead. Thinking I should’ve just root grafted main trunk asap.

Doesn't look very promising unfortunately given how nice the other one looks.

Are tips / branch cuttings still looking ok?

Late replied, but yeah the tree died, cuttings are still alive. If I could do it over I would’ve root grafted it and try to save that big trunk.