Trees dying again (lawn, grass, backyard, spring)

[AutumnTraveler]

About three years ago a Live Oak in my background had its leaves turn all brown, and one-half of a tree this happened to as well. I had a tree guy come and take a look and he said it was NOT oak wilt. I saved half of the one tree. This happened in March of 2008.

It's March again and now the leaves on the three remaining Live Oaks are all turning brown. I do not have any service such as Scott's Lawn. I do not put weed killer down in seed form. However, last year I sprayed carefully on the grass areas with a weed killer and avoided the trees entirely so I don't think I caused this.

I have no idea why the trees would do this. No one goes back there. The lawn is mowed regularly during the summer.

And so, Live Oaks, leaves turning brown for no apparent reason.

I watered them a few days ago. Should I put down tree fertilizer?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris

[azoria]

You haven't given us much to go on--we have no pics and we don't know where you are.

But I'll give it a shot.

Live oaks are evergreen, they are not deciduous trees which drop their leaves for winter. But evergreeen does not mean 'ever green'.

Many non-deciduous broadleaf evergreens shed spent leaves in the spring and quickly replace the old shedded leaves with new leaves.

I'm guessing you're in the south and that your live oak is a southern live oak or Quercus virginiana.

In which case worry not, after it has finished dropping the old worn leaves in spring it will put out shiny new ones straight away and will be fine.

[AutumnTraveler]

This is exactly what happened! Lots of new leaves sprouted and all is well.

It appears that this new sprouting occurs ever few years perhaps.

I was also happy to see all of the oaks and other trees in the far backyard area have sprouted as well.

I didn't get notification on this thread so I am just seeing this now.