Stressed Maple Tree - Ask Extension
Our only maple tree began turning the first week of July and has continued to drop many leaves; out neighbors do not exhibit any of these characterist...
Knowledgebase
Stressed Maple Tree #343339
Asked July 15, 2016, 6:17 PM EDT
Our only maple tree began turning the first week of July and has continued to drop many leaves; out neighbors do not exhibit any of these characteristics. I took the these signs as stress from our very dry spring and early summer. Yet, July has been quite wet. I am concerned that these symptoms of stress will jeopardize the tree's life expectancy. What can I do to prevent further damage?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
You are correct that your tree is exhibiting signs of stress. Minnesotans do love sugar maples, but we often try to grow them in conditions that are not best suited to to the plant's needs. According to our Extension publication on sugar maples: "Sugar maple grows best in cool, moderately moist soils with good
drainage. Planting sites with compacted soil should be avoided. This
species is not a good choice for boulevard plantings because it is
sensitive to deicing salts and does not perform well in areas such as
tree lawns where pavement restricts root growth. Sugar maples should
only be planted in areas such as lawns, parks, golf courses, etc. where
roots can grow and spread extensively."
Other questions: has there been work done in the area that may have compacted soil further and / or damaged roots (such as asphalt or underground infrastructure work)?
Another possibility is that your tree may have been planted too deeply many years ago, and is exhibiting signs of stem girdling roots. The picture of the base of the trunk shows rot which can occur when a tree is planted too deeply and the major roots which form the root flare are buried too deeply. This can cause roots to grow around themselves and the trunk and cut off portions of the vascular system. This can create a hazardous tree. Contact a certified arborist to visit your site and examine the tree: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/how-to-hire-a-professional-arborist/
If this is not the case and the root flare shows clearly above ground, was the tree damaged mechanically by your mower and / or weed whip? Trees should not be planted in turf. They should be surrounded by a mulch ring minimum 6-feet in diameter. This will prevent damage to the tree roots by the mower blade and / or weed whip. Damage like this can create wounds that open the tree up to pests.
Your tree canopy may also be being eaten by Japanese beetles. These insects are out in full force in our Minnesota landscapes right now. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/japanese-beetles/index.html
Mature trees are important to our landscapes and properties. Because of the signs of stress and damage to the trunk, I really recommend you contact a certified arborist to visually assess your tree.
Other questions: has there been work done in the area that may have compacted soil further and / or damaged roots (such as asphalt or underground infrastructure work)?
Another possibility is that your tree may have been planted too deeply many years ago, and is exhibiting signs of stem girdling roots. The picture of the base of the trunk shows rot which can occur when a tree is planted too deeply and the major roots which form the root flare are buried too deeply. This can cause roots to grow around themselves and the trunk and cut off portions of the vascular system. This can create a hazardous tree. Contact a certified arborist to visit your site and examine the tree: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/how-to-hire-a-professional-arborist/
If this is not the case and the root flare shows clearly above ground, was the tree damaged mechanically by your mower and / or weed whip? Trees should not be planted in turf. They should be surrounded by a mulch ring minimum 6-feet in diameter. This will prevent damage to the tree roots by the mower blade and / or weed whip. Damage like this can create wounds that open the tree up to pests.
Your tree canopy may also be being eaten by Japanese beetles. These insects are out in full force in our Minnesota landscapes right now. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/japanese-beetles/index.html
Mature trees are important to our landscapes and properties. Because of the signs of stress and damage to the trunk, I really recommend you contact a certified arborist to visually assess your tree.
