Maple Tree Leaf Dropping - Ask Extension
I have three identical Maple trees in my front yard. All are about 18 years old. About 3 weeks ago, one of them starting dropping leaves on one side...
Knowledgebase
Maple Tree Leaf Dropping #265921
Asked July 29, 2015, 2:57 PM EDT
I have three identical Maple trees in my front yard. All are about 18 years old. About 3 weeks ago, one of them starting dropping leaves on one side of the tree. I looked up into the tree and could not see any insect activity. The leaves that are dropping are green without any visible damage. Any idea what might be causing this?
Worcester County Massachusetts
Expert Response
Is it possible for you to send a digital photo of the tree in question? Also, was there any significant activity around the tree in the last few months? (Excavation, new water/sewer line, etc)? This information will help us narrow down the likely issue.
Thanks -
Thanks -
HI SARAH,
I AM NOT HOME AT THE MOMENT, BUT YES, I WILL SEND YOU SOME PICTURES LATER. IN RESPONSE TO YOUR OTHER QUESTION, I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THAT WE HAVE NOT DONE ANY EXCAVATION AROUND THE TREE. WE ALSO HAVE A LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEM SO THE LAWN AT LEAST GETS PLENTY OF WATER.
THANKS
JIM
I AM NOT HOME AT THE MOMENT, BUT YES, I WILL SEND YOU SOME PICTURES LATER. IN RESPONSE TO YOUR OTHER QUESTION, I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THAT WE HAVE NOT DONE ANY EXCAVATION AROUND THE TREE. WE ALSO HAVE A LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEM SO THE LAWN AT LEAST GETS PLENTY OF WATER.
THANKS
JIM
Hi Sarah
See attached photos. One other note, the leaves seem to be falling off one side of the tree and I took both pictures from that side.
Jim
See attached photos. One other note, the leaves seem to be falling off one side of the tree and I took both pictures from that side.
Jim
What is the proximity of the other two trees? In one of the pictures it looks like there is a dark shadow on the tree. If the problem tree is shaded by another tree or structure, the lack of light could cause leaf loss. This is not uncommon in maples with a dense leaf load. Often when two trees are planted close together one may shade the other.
Has the tree been exposed to chemicals, either through direct or indirect spraying? How close id the tree to the road? If it is near the road, is the side closest to the road the problem side?
A lot of questions, but it appears that the problem is not a disease, but rather an issue of environment. If the tree is important to you, it may be worth having an arborist do an assessment of any root or trunk problems.
Has the tree been exposed to chemicals, either through direct or indirect spraying? How close id the tree to the road? If it is near the road, is the side closest to the road the problem side?
A lot of questions, but it appears that the problem is not a disease, but rather an issue of environment. If the tree is important to you, it may be worth having an arborist do an assessment of any root or trunk problems.
