Tree identification...and what is killing it?

[Gurberly]

Hi there

We have a tree in the back garden, this year as the tree came into leaf, many of the branches started to die back a few weeks later.

A couple of pics attached of the tree and it's leaves.







When the leaves started to bud they were a very vivid light lime green and looked very healthy. The tree also has very upright branches that for a tulip shape, a bit like a wine glass.

So question...

What tree is it?

What is killing it?

All suggestions welcome, though pretty sure its not slugs

G

[mothhawk]

I think it may be a poplar of some sort, Gurbeley. Can't tell what's killing it, could be any number of things, including hornet moth (Sesia apiformis). Sorry I can't be more help.

[andy_j]

My suggestion is that it is an upright Elm...., possibly a golden variety.

If that's the case, and without wanting to spread panic, it could, and I stress COULD, be dutch elm disease. It certainly looks similar but elms are also prone to fungal diseases which affect the tree in the same way.

[Knight of Albion]

Did you have flooding or pooling in your garden last year? That might be a possible cause i.e. rot or a fungal infection.

What is the soil like there now? Is it moist or bone dry? Perversely it might be the exact opposite and be drought, possible as it started the season healthily.

Trees are generally pretty tough, so assuming there aren't any buildings in its vicinity at possible risk, I'd leave it and see what develops. It might well bounce back again.

Not sure about the genus, could do with a closer look. Though the leaves remind me of mulberry...