Q:  My chitalpa tree has a  5 to 6" main trunk, 14"span and a 12" over all height, gets leaves 2 to 3 inches long then starts to shed them. Never do the leaves get to 5 to 6 inches long with flowers like our other tree does. D.P., Irving

 A:  Based on what you have given us, all I can suggest is the entire Sick Tree Treatment and cut back on the watering.  Some argue that chaltapa is nothing but a large-leafed sport on the desert willow.  If that’s the case, overwatering or poor drainage may be the culprit since desert willow is a highly drought tolerant tree.