Hi Tui, we have four twisted Kowhai trees planted on a steep bank choked with weeds as I don't get down that steep bank very often. All are doing well except one, the top branches look dead with no growth, but in clearing the weeds around the base of this one there is new green growth. Question: Do I cut the top branches that have no growth, what can I feed the four trees, the bank has been planted in natives, is hot, dry clay, but can also get cold winds from up the harbour. Thanks.

Hi Colleen, yes you can trim the tree back. If it is planted in an exposed position the tops may have been wind burnt, or, it could be the Kowhai moth caterpillar that has stripped the foliage, they are active from spring through to autumn. The foliage usually grows back quickly and most healthy established kowhai do not suffer any permanent damage. Remove the weeds from around the base of the trees as weeds can harbour overwintering insect pests such as the kowhai moth caterpillar. I would suggest using an all purpose fertiliser such as Tui General Garden fertiliser, or Tui Certified Organic Sheep pellets to feed the trees. Apply mulch around them to keep weeds down, conserve soil moisture and to improve the soil if it is a clay base. For a steep bank use slabs of baled pea straw and lay them thickly around the trees so it doesn't blow away, do not place mulch right up against the trunk of the tree as this can cause collar rot. Cut the tree back, if you nick the bark and it is green underneath then it is good wood, if it is brown and dead, cut further below until you find healthy wood. The Tui Team.