I have been having great luck with my Lako that is now 4 years old, at least up until this year.

Each year, the number and average size of the shoots has increased. Last year, I got around 14 or 15 shoots up to 1.5 " diameter and around 18-20' tall. This year, I have only gotten 9 so far (and that's likely the end of new shoots) and they are shorter by a couple of feet and smaller average size.

I thought I had fertilized more this year than most, but not too much. Also this year we have had more rain than ever. I keep the cover weeded and mulched.

One weird thing that happened this year, early in the spring before the shoots, is the bed became infested with carpenter ants. I have since gotten rid of them, but that may also be to blame.

I'm near the ocean, about 1/4 mile from the beach so I've never actually found out if the trouble is the area.

Is this common, should I expect better next year? Does anyone know for sure whether the salty air/ground is bad for this type?

thanks, again for any help/advice.

Brian