possible canker on maple tree - Ask Extension
I have a young maple - about a year old. Earlier this spring I noticed that a couple of branches were leafing out beautifully, and seem to be on time...
Knowledgebase
possible canker on maple tree #253946
Asked June 14, 2015, 11:12 AM EDT
I have a young maple - about a year old. Earlier this spring I noticed that a couple of branches were leafing out beautifully, and seem to be on time - about two-thirds were not, and seemed to be much slower. Although I saw budding, the branches were not leafing out. I think my tree has some sort of canker. It extends from the trunk into the major branch of the tree in the center. Someone told me once that if there is slight damage, to put wood stain on it to protect it. I saw some damage, so I put stain on it. That it was the dark brown part in the pictures is. Can you advise me on what to do?
Sherburne County Minnesota
Expert Response
It does appear, from your pictures, that your young maple has canker. Once a young tree has this, it can mean the death of the tree. Here is a link that specifies symptoms, prevention, and maintenance: Maple: Sunken Discolored Areas along Trunk/Branches
I would recommend you ask an arborist to take a look at the tree to assist in determination of next steps for you. Here is a link from the International Society of Arboriculture for finding an arborist in your area: Find an Arborist
I would recommend you ask an arborist to take a look at the tree to assist in determination of next steps for you. Here is a link from the International Society of Arboriculture for finding an arborist in your area: Find an Arborist
Thanks so much for the response. I did talk to someone at our local nursery, and she suggested that since the injury is on the south side, that perhaps over the winter, the sun hit it, and split the tree at that section. There are some parts that are leafing out - but slowly. She stated that it might take a couple of years, but to mulch and feed it while it is trying to heal itself. I will admit, that I did not wrap it last year - I'm new at this. But will be sure to do it this year. Can you tell me the signs to look for when distinguishing between winter splitting and canker?
Thanks again.
Thank you for seeking further clarification. You are referring to sunscald which is sunken or cracked bark in the tree. It typically occurs on the south side of the tree. Sunscald would not typically cause death in the canopy of the tree. If the tree is not diseased this could be caused by stress from drought or low water conditions. To rectify both of these the direction given from the nursery would be correct. I would recommend a consult from an arborist if you would like to know for sure.
