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40 year old maple tree, possibly dead. #434864

Asked November 18, 2017, 12:26 PM EST

I have a well established 40 + year old maple tree in the south east corner of my property, that all of a sudden seems to have died this year.  We did receive plenty of rain this year, and I do water the lawn in that area.  The leaves turned brown in late summer when everything else was still green.  What do you think may have happened?  

El Paso County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello,
thank you for your question.
Sounds like the tree is well established. Multiple factors could have played into the early browning of the trees leaves. The tree might not necessary have died back but just struggled this year with a certain problem or disease.
Have you  noticed any changes in the vigor of the tree the last couple of years? Did all branches have leaves or did you have previous dieback? Did you see any insects on the leaves or brown blotches develop during the late summer?
Inspect the trunk of the tree for damage. The bottom of the trunk 
could be from rodents, weedwacker. Inspect for borer holes. Was there construction around the area of the tree (sidewalk, parking area)? Changes in water supply ( to much, not enough)? Any herbicide use nearby? Gardenbed development or renovation?
Trees usually get affected by disease when they are stressed. Any answers to the above questions might help.
Let us know if you can come up with any information not mentioned in your previous email, so we can help you to get an answer.


 




An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 22, 2017, 10:24 AM EST

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