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Common Alder · Alnus glutinosa

Why is my Common Alder drooping?

It is less common for an Alder to droop, as they are generally hardy trees that prefer moist conditions. Check the soil moisture first, as this is the most frequent culprit for a sudden loss of turgor.

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is bone dry or completely saturated.
  2. Look for any visible damage or lesions on the trunk.
  3. Check the surrounding area for signs of poor drainage.

Likely causes

  1. Severe Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The entire tree looks limp and the leaves lose their firm texture. This happens when the soil has dried out completely.

    What to do: Water the tree deeply and thoroughly until the soil is saturated. Monitor the tree closely over the next 24 hours to see if it recovers.

  2. Phytophthora Root Rot

    Possible

    How to tell: The tree droops and wilts even when the soil is wet. You may see dark, sunken lesions on the lower trunk or roots.

    What to do: This is a serious fungal issue that is difficult to cure. Improve drainage immediately and consult a professional arborist to see if the tree can be saved.

Find out what's wrong with your common alder

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if the drooping persists after a deep watering or if the leaves start to turn brown and brittle. A slight droop during the hottest part of the day is normal if the tree perks up by evening.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the tree is planted in a site with appropriate moisture and avoid letting the root zone dry out.

Keep your common alder healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a tree with root rot?
It is very difficult to treat once the symptoms are visible. Focus on improving drainage and reducing stress.
Does my Alder need more water if it droops?
Only if the soil is dry. If the soil is already wet, adding more water will only make root rot worse.

More problems with Common Alder

Back to the Common Alder guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.