Arbutus: Arbutus: super-abundance of bloom/berries

I understand that abundance of bloom can signify stress in many trees. During the spring of 2005, the trees on Salt Spring were spectacular in their load of bloom, and of course, this fall are heavy with berries. I haven't seen anything like it in the many years of admiring this tree. I was wondering whether the wet weather during the fall of 2004 could have influenced the formation of buds, or if this fertility is just a continuing symptom of the environmental stress, especially general drought, these trees are responding to. Certainly the leaves on the producing trees often appear sparse or brown.
Thank you, Wendy

 

Many Madronas down here also loaded, it's just a natural cycle. Look at the condition of the twigs and foliage to judge health of yours.

 

I agree that this was a spectacular year for blooms on Arbutus menziesii. Normally the bloom of the tree is not that noticeable. This spring they really stood out in bloom. I have been harvesting the fruit from an area of healthy trees. Hopefully I will have some seedlings nest spring.

 

No-no Eric: birds nest. The madrona seeds will just sprout.

 

Ahh ...tired hands. Hey, I've never tried germinating arbutus before. I cleaned the pulp away from the fruit and planted the seeds in a very light medium, then put the trays in a protected place outdoors. Any advice?

 

Get some soil from around and under growing Arbutus (Arbuti?) as it should have the specialized micorhiza that these trees need to survive. The standard store-bought ones apparently won't do.

Ralph