Help identifying tree type and relative age.

[colinrsmith]

Hey everybody, I hope all is well. Can anyone help me identify this tree? My dad thinks it is probably 20 something years old. It was struggling - had just a few remaining crusty looking leaves, and had not been repotted for at least 5 years, if ever. I recently repotted it, and trimmed the root system. Since that time, it has developed quite a few new leaves. Any help identifying it would be appreciated. I believe it is some sort of ficus. Also, does anyone have any advice for getting the tree to fill out a little more, foliage wise? I have begun to shape some of the branches back in to achieve this.






Kind Regards,
Colin

 

[JudyB]

Colin, it is a ficus, not sure of the type. If you can put it outside for the summer and gain some vigor, you'll be on your way. The you'll be able to cut some of the longer branches back. There are some tropical people here, hope they can give you more detailed advice.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Hi Colin,



That is indeed a Ficus, looks to be microcarpa from the leaves, but slightly looks like it has benjamina bark. Could you get a good shot of the leaves?

As Judy said, since you're in Florida, this guy definitely deserves to go outside. Are you in a frost free section of Florida? If not, I'd wait until after last frost to place it outside. Place it in the shade for a week or so, then slowly introduce it to the sun for a few hours a day.

As to its age, it could very well be as old as your father says given the size of its trunk, but it can be hard to determine exactly without chopping it and counting the rings

 

[colinrsmith]

Thanks/ leaf picture

Hi Colin,



That is indeed a Ficus, looks to be microcarpa from the leaves, but slightly looks like it has benjamina bark. Could you get a good shot of the leaves?

As Judy said, since you're in Florida, this guy definitely deserves to go outside. Are you in a frost free section of Florida? If not, I'd wait until after last frost to place it outside. Place it in the shade for a week or so, then slowly introduce it to the sun for a few hours a day.

As to its age, it could very well be as old as your father says given the size of its trunk, but it can be hard to determine exactly without chopping it and counting the rings

Thanks for the prompt responses! It has been kept on a screened patio where it receives indirect and filtered sunlight; is that an okay place? or should I give it full sun for part of the day? Also for what it is worth, today I went ahead and removed a lot of old wiring that the tree had; it left some interesting, deep scars, but I am hoping it will allow the branches to thrive a little more. Below please find pictures of the leaves. Thanks again!

-Colin

 

[catfish chapstick]

definitely keep it outside. i would eventually cut it back past those wire scars and start over with the branching. it looks like a very nice trunk.