Need help saving a dying mango tree

[knod]

Hi, I have quite a large mango tree in my front yard. Recently I noticed a lot of the leaves had tips that were dying and some small white things growing on the very bottom of the trunk. I then find out the gardener has been watering the tree twice a day.

I was wondering if anyone knows how I can save the tree.

I will upload some photos when I get to a computer.

Thanks!

Edited December 16, 2013 by knod

[yankee99]

My leaves looked bad on my mango tree for a while and has never seen fruit. I had my gardner cut every leaf that wasnt green off the tree and it seem healthier.

[willyumiii]

Possibly a fungal problem.

Watering twice a day could be keeping the crown ( part of tree where the bark meets the soil ) too wet and causing what is known as crown rot.

If the soil level has been raised at all it will add to the problem.

If this is the problem, let the soil at the tree's base dry out between waterings. Remember, when the surface is dry, there is still moisture below.

Watering an established tree twice a day is way too much.

Deep watering infrequently is much better for the tree than frequent shallow or surface waterings.

The roots the tree depends on for moisture are deep and under the drip line of the tree, not at it's base.

It may also help to saturate the effected base to the tree with a solution of a copper based fungicide.

You may be able to save the tree, but if the rot is too extensive, it will die no matter what you do.

I hope this helps.

I was an arborist in a previous life.

Choke dee!

[Chao Lao Beach]

I see some knowledgeable folks in the farming forum as well.