Red sunset maples with problems - Ask Extension
I have several red sunset maples. One has developed phytophtora cankers. Another has roots growing in an irregular fashion around it's base and the ...
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Red sunset maples with problems #199030
Asked July 13, 2014, 6:42 PM EDT
I have several red sunset maples. One has developed phytophtora cankers. Another has roots growing in an irregular fashion around it's base and the tree is starting to crack. I've enclosed photos of each. Are these 2 conditions treatable? If so, what is the treatment or is it better to seek professional help for these conditions? Thank you
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
The second tree first - There is nothing you can do to correct the irregular root growth. That would need to happen at planting.
If this is the tree that is cracking, that may be due to winter injury that occurred when we had temperatures in Dec and Jan that were lower than we had experienced in the last 40 years. There may be other reasons but not sure which tree we are talking about. You may need to submit another picture.
How do you know the first tree has Phytophthora cankers? Did you have it diagnosed? There may not be much you can do for it at this point. If it indeed is Phytophthora you may be able to get a tree care company to treat it for you. There are some chemicals on the market that might help the tree. They can be injected or sprayed on the foliage.
If this is the tree that is cracking, that may be due to winter injury that occurred when we had temperatures in Dec and Jan that were lower than we had experienced in the last 40 years. There may be other reasons but not sure which tree we are talking about. You may need to submit another picture.
How do you know the first tree has Phytophthora cankers? Did you have it diagnosed? There may not be much you can do for it at this point. If it indeed is Phytophthora you may be able to get a tree care company to treat it for you. There are some chemicals on the market that might help the tree. They can be injected or sprayed on the foliage.
