Maple Tree dropping leaves early - Ask Extension
We have 2 maple trees right next to each other and one is starting to drop a lot of leaves and it is only July 19th. The other tree doesn't seem to b...
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Maple Tree dropping leaves early #415473
Asked July 19, 2017, 5:23 PM EDT
We have 2 maple trees right next to each other and one is starting to drop a lot of leaves and it is only July 19th. The other tree doesn't seem to be dropping any leaves. The tree is still mostly green leaves, but a few yellow and brown ones. The leaves dropping are green, yellow, and brown. The tree is around 25 years old. Attached are pictures. What should we do?
Jefferson County Kentucky
Expert Response
Unfortunately there are several problems the tree could be reacting to by defoliation. If roots are not working properly then the plant looses leaves in the canopy it can no longer support.
Trees drop leaves when they are stressed. Stress can include many things - too much/not enough water, too much fertilizer, exposure to lawn fertilizer or other lawn chemicals, pH creeping up (or down) and other things in our urban environment.
The pattern of yellowing on the leaf could indicate a pH or iron problem. Sometimes competition with other trees or shrubs can also be a problem.
You may wish to have the tree evaluated on site by a Kentucky certified arborist. You can reach our office at the number below if you would like a list of certified arborists in the Jefferson County area.
Additional information on the stress and decline of trees can be found here: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/id/id50/id50.pdf
Feel free to contact our office if you have other questions.
Trees drop leaves when they are stressed. Stress can include many things - too much/not enough water, too much fertilizer, exposure to lawn fertilizer or other lawn chemicals, pH creeping up (or down) and other things in our urban environment.
The pattern of yellowing on the leaf could indicate a pH or iron problem. Sometimes competition with other trees or shrubs can also be a problem.
You may wish to have the tree evaluated on site by a Kentucky certified arborist. You can reach our office at the number below if you would like a list of certified arborists in the Jefferson County area.
Additional information on the stress and decline of trees can be found here: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/id/id50/id50.pdf
Feel free to contact our office if you have other questions.
Let me know if I can help you further!
Carol Wilder
Horticulture Technician
Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
<personal data hidden>
200 Juneau Drive
Thank you so much for the info! I will contact the extension office tomorrow to get the number of an arborist.
It was nice to speak with you!
