Don’s Expert Answers: One of my jacarandas is brown; the other is perfect?

Question From:
in LOS ANGELES, LOS ANGELES International

Nature of problem:
One of my jacarandas is brown; the other is perfect?

Type of Plant (if known):
Jacaranda tree

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Very few blooms and now foliage is brown in summer

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Clay

How often do you water the plant:
Never

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
All day

How long since you planted it:
At least 20 years

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
No.

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
None

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
After years of good health, one of my two Jacs has suddenly gone brown. This winter had good rain, and I’ve never watered it in my 20 years here. I wish I could show you a leaf to check for disease, but they’re all gone.

Answer:
It appears to be dead. I would water it well with a sprinkler and wait 4 weeks – then, if you see no new growth, off with its head. It might have been poisoned, you could have a gas leak in the soil, or something else. The photo is too unspecific for me to be able to say any more. Don