Prime of life MAPLE TREE dead - Ask Extension
We have a beautiful Maple tree (I don't know the variety) about 40 - 50 years old which has "suddenly" died. It has had somewhat sparse leaf cover fo...
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Prime of life MAPLE TREE dead #562898
Asked May 20, 2019, 1:38 PM EDT
We have a beautiful Maple tree (I don't know the variety) about 40 - 50 years old which has "suddenly" died. It has had somewhat sparse leaf cover for a few years, but otherwise seemed fine. This spring, it curled up leaves and is DEAD. WHAT is going on? Did we make a mistake?? Too much moisture?? 'We' are ALL SAINTS SISTERS on extensive property (forest and fields) in Baltimore County (Catonsville) and have many lovely trees, mostly wild. A number of the cultivated trees exhibit signs of stress, disease or pests. We want to re-plan our orchards and make better use of the land etc. It is important that we understand how to care for what we have! IF the upload of pictures worked: the last picture shows the MAPLE TREE on the far left.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
The property looks beautiful. We did not receive your photo of the maple tree.
There may be several reasons for decline such as poor drainage, poor soils, possible insect and disease issues we cannot say for sure. You did not mention if you have a landscaper or arborist that maintains your property. A certified arborist can make site visits and evaluate the health of your trees and give recommendations. If need be, they can send plant samples to the U of Md diagnostic Plant Testing Lab. Here is a link to the International Society of Arboriculture http://www.treesaregood.org/
We recommend that you reach out to some commercial landscapers/designers to help with the planning of the orchard and to make better use of the land. We cannot recommend specific companies. Take a look at the website for the Baltimore Orchard Project http://baltimoreorchardproject.civicworks.com/
Another recommendation is to contact a member of the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals association. Members of this group specialize in conservation landscaping, using native plants, and maintaining sustainable landscapes. You can use the searchable directory on their website to find a landscape professional near you. https://cblpro.org/
Marian
There may be several reasons for decline such as poor drainage, poor soils, possible insect and disease issues we cannot say for sure. You did not mention if you have a landscaper or arborist that maintains your property. A certified arborist can make site visits and evaluate the health of your trees and give recommendations. If need be, they can send plant samples to the U of Md diagnostic Plant Testing Lab. Here is a link to the International Society of Arboriculture http://www.treesaregood.org/
We recommend that you reach out to some commercial landscapers/designers to help with the planning of the orchard and to make better use of the land. We cannot recommend specific companies. Take a look at the website for the Baltimore Orchard Project http://baltimoreorchardproject.civicworks.com/
Another recommendation is to contact a member of the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals association. Members of this group specialize in conservation landscaping, using native plants, and maintaining sustainable landscapes. You can use the searchable directory on their website to find a landscape professional near you. https://cblpro.org/
Marian
