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Split trunk on maple tree #264525

Asked July 24, 2015, 11:52 AM EDT

Can I repair the split trunk on my beautiful autumn blaze maple tree?  It's only about 10 years old, all the leaves are turning brilliant red when they should be green (it's July 24).

The trunk has a split.  Can I splint it?  Internet has other options but before I put screws in my tree I want to know your advise.

Utah County Utah

Expert Response

Your tree has iron chlorosis. That tree is a hybrid between red maple and silver maple, both of which are susceptible to chlorosis. And that I have Fred has been very popular because of it's good growth fall colors, but it's not very good for Utah because of of our high soil pH. And another problem with that hybrid is the fast growth and the often poor branch structure. Your tree has developed codominant trunks that have included bark between them. The bark turns in instead of out, and often you get decay. Once it has grown that way for long enough it can't be fixed. You can bolt it together but the wound will just move up as the trunks grow. I have a fact sheet they discusses it at https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/NR_FF_004.pdf
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2015, 8:33 PM EDT

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