Generally, Yellowwood trees ( Cladrastis kentukea), bloom every other year. This is the year for mine to bloom. I have been checking the progress of bud formation on the tree and was pleased to note the abundance of buds. This evening, I discovered that the more precocious buds, on the western side of the tree, have shriveled. The other buds, which are not as advanced, seem unaffected. Is the unusually cool weather to blame? Or is this the result of some disease? Will the other buds also fall victim? Stay tuned for the continuing saga.