Hello, This boulevard tree was planted by the city at the edge of our front yard a few years ago. The tag on it said "Carpinus Globosa". Can someone please confirm if this is in fact that tree? Photos I've found online show quite a different looking tree in many cases. Perhaps this one is just too young yet to look like those? Also, I'm hoping someone can tell me the following: a) Do the leaves look rather yellowish for this kind of tree? Sorry, it's hard to tell in the sunshine, but other photos I've seen online show dark green leaves and this tree has never had that colour. If so, what might be the cause or how would I go about determining the cause? b) Does this kind of tree need to be fertilized? We have terrible soil (mostly clay, with a layer of garbage/dirt that results from subdivision development). I was wondering if fertilizing would fix the yellowish leaves (if that is not how it is supposed to be) c) How large will this tree eventually get and does it generally need to be pruned (just for curiosity, since I believe our city prunes any trees it plants)? Thanks in advance!
Hornbeam but not globe hornbeam. Yes it probably has a nitrogen deficiency. Sampling soil and having it tested would give you a better look into the nutrient situation, so far all you have to go on is poor leaf color.
If it was correct, it should've said Carpinus betulus 'Globosa' (there's no such species as Carpinus globosa). But what it actually is, is straight Carpinus betulus. How large will it get? - eventually, 20-25m tall would be typical in good growing conditions, though around 12-15m tall is more likely for a street tree given the difficult growing conditions they face. Shouldn't need any pruning other than removal of low branches for traffic clearance.
Color seems okay. I don't fertilize trees unless there is chlorosis or something. Doing light to moderate corrective pruning every 2 to 3 years should be adequate. If pruning is done 5 to 10 years apart - that's often inadequate.
Nitrogen deficiency is common in this region. No plant, tree or otherwise benefits from being deprived of adequate soil nutrients.
