Chitalpa Tree Dead? Scratch Test Decides

Chitalpa not leafing in AZ high desert: scratch test determines life.

1. Scrape bark on upper branches.
2. Green = alive at that point.
3. Brown = dead at that point.
4. Work down to find green.
5. Prune all dead (brown) wood.

Care If Alive

• Fertilize lightly.
• Mulch.
• Water deeply weekly.

Overwatering Last Year?

Yellow leaves + no leaf-out = possible root rot. Scratch test tells truth. Chitalpas hate wet clay.

Test, prune, wait. Rigor mortis doesn't apply to trees—green cambium = life.