Mature Poplar Progressive Decline: Internal Decay Management

D: 50-year-old poplar (grandfather planted). 3 years ago: half branch dead. Next year: whole branch + half another. This year: half tree gone. Southern Idaho, agriculture area. 60 ft tall, 3 ft trunk. 15 ft from road, irrigation ditch between. Dies top-down on branches.

Expert Assessment

Steve: internal decay (fungal/bacterial) from bark/root wounds. Slow, progressive (years). No magic bullet. Prevent wounds. Good fertilization/water during drought may sustain. Eventually hazard → firewood.

Key Insight

Top-down branch death suggests vascular disruption from basal decay. Irrigation ditch may influence root zone. Mature poplars have finite lifespans; this one is approaching natural end with decay acceleration.