I have a False Acacia with poor foliage - any reasons?

Question

I have a False Acacia which this year has only produced leaves on some of its branches and with large numbers missing from the branch tips - any suggestions please.

Answer 1

couple of things to think about how long have you had the tree, newly  planted? if so is it planted correctly too deep ,too shallow, is it planted close to another tree (suppressed) are soil conditions right   not normally a problem unless the area is very wet, just a few ideas, i pruned one recently had lots of dead branches for no good reason, good luck

Answer 2

False Acacias can grow really quickly, and do frequently have some die-back, so some of your tree's growth may be nothing to do with its culture, just part of its natural course.  It could also have been infected, and some of its leaves or early buds having been eaten by insects.  If the infestation has gone, there won't be much evidence left now, apart from destroyed remains.  

I'd ensure that your tree has sufficient water too, as fast rampant growth does mean that it will uptake tons of water.  I'd also fertilise it, with a good general fertiliser, preferably one that has a sustained release method, and thus doesn't quickly wash out of the soil.

Next spring I would remove some of the growth, before your it shoots into growth,  feed again, and watch closely for any evidence of infestation.  You can get annual systemic insecticide applications that would prevent any attacks too, available from good nurseries, Home Depot etc.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  Rob