Hello everyone I am not an expert on Trees and Plants but would like some urgent help on Identifying and saving an old tree that looks like it is dying. This tree has been in my house in Karachi, Pakistan since before i was born which makes it over 36 years old. In fact it was most likely planted when the house was constructed around 1955. The tree has been healthy and flowering all these years and would shed its leaves once a year only to fill up again. Unfortunately since late last year it has shed all its leaves and none of them have grown back, and the tree appears to have become very dry and keeps shedding its bark from the branches. A few branches have also fallen during the last year. I have attached photos of the tree when it was full of leaves along with a recent picture showing its current state. I would really appreciate all the help in identifying and if possible saving this tree from dying as it has been part of our house and family for many years. Please let me know if anymore details are required to identify the tree and cause for its decline. Thank you, Ahmed Qaisar Karachi, Pakistan
I believe the tree is called the 'siris tree' or 'Albizzia lebbek Benth' in latin. I have attached a close up of one of the leaves. Hope this helps.
Ahmedq, i am sorry about the state of your tree. It having no leaves all summer is a terrible sign. Makes it difficult for you to post the close up leaf pictures folks need for identification also I have only lived in my house eight years and i am very fond of my big shade giving trees. If it does not leaf out with the regular cycle the tree is entering the final stage of its life. There are many possible causes. Regardless it will soon be time to cut it down so it does not fall on your family or property. Then the wood can be burnt or recycled to provide nutrients for the next generation of trees. Once again, i am sorry your tree is in ill health
Some accounts list the lifespan of Albizia lebbek at 10-20 years; in which case, your specimen would be considered venerable for the species, and might well have simply died of age. It is (was) a fine looking specimen tree; combined with the fact that it is a part of your family history, it is a double shame to see it's decline.
