Sick Tree

[user 171571]

Hello, I have a tree in my yard (I don't even know the kind) that blooms every year and looks really beautiful, however, it seems to be in bad shape. The bark is falling off and there some weird mossy stuff growing on the branches and trunk. Does this tree have some kind of disease? And is there anything I could do to help it?

 

[buzz sawyer]

Almost looks like a Magnolia. It is competing with all that grass for food and water. Also had some not great pruning in the past. What was there first, the tree or the sidewalks? Has dirt been added around the base? I am not a trained arborist - just going on my experience. Short of getting a local pro opinion, I would carefully remove the grass and add a mulch ring at least 3' out from the trunk but NOT piled up around the trunk.

 

[user 171571]

Thanks for the advice, I will try that!