Rip it out or re stake it

[NaeNae]

about 4-5 years ago I planted a Ficifolia near the dogs so it would in time offer them some extra shade from the summer sun.

two years ago during a wind storm it toppled over towards the dogs so we staked in in 3 places with some string for support but allowing movement. Its worked fine, up until today.

The wind here has been so strong that its fallen over again towards the dogs.

Now I cannot see any roots coming fromt he very base of the tree, leading away from the direction its fallen itms.

I have tried re-staking it and I can report that its just toppled over agin after a few hours.

My concern is, if it cannot support itself during the wind storm now then once it gets much bigger will it pose a problem and potentially fall on the dogs.

I mean its been in the ground long enough to establish a decent root system the others I planted at the same time are not falling over.

any suggestions from other gardeners?? do i rip it out and plant something elses ther instead or give it a third chance?

Nae x

[Sopdet]

First things first is to check with the council to see if that particular plant is under a preservation order (ie native to victoria, over a certain size etc) because you will need a permit to remove it.

Then make the decision as to whether you will attempt to save it or get rid of it.

[NaeNae]

I will check it out hun thanks :-))

[Rivlas]

If the others have done well then I think the roots have not gone down very far. This could be due to bad soil or rubbish underneath. If it is small enough dig it up then dig a deep wide hole fill with good soil, replant, feed and water well. Keep it watered until it picks up. You might also need to prune it also.

[Sopdet]

I will check it out hun thanks :-))

If it is beyond saving & the council says ok, they will probably ask you to replace the tree with another one (don't quote me!), I'm still getting my head around all of this (working in the planning area of council).

[NaeNae]

I think it may have a little root rot DH and I had a closer inspection this evening. If its laying down you can actually see 2/3rds under the base and there is nothing there. We lost one earlier this year due to root rot. It struggled for a while then gave up the ghost so I ripped it out and it became kindling. The way this wind is going I doubt it will stand up to too much more of this weather. Hubby staked it better than I did but I don't think it will do any good, especially if my suspicions are confirmed!

[Rivlas]

If you think it won't live let it be blown over. I know when we had to remove a tree at work we had to plant x number to make up one tree being removed. I know you want to replace it but if it falls over no one can report you for cutting up the tree.