Maple Tree Damage - Ask Extension
I am with a homeowners association in Big Lake and we have a couple of trees that look like they are dying. We are hoping you might be able to provid...
Knowledgebase
Maple Tree Damage #700213
Asked July 13, 2020, 1:52 PM EDT
I am with a homeowners association in Big Lake and we have a couple of trees that look like they are dying. We are hoping you might be able to provide some advice for how to save them. This one is a Maple, I'm told. It looks like it has been split open. Would wrapping the tree help? Any other ideas? Thank you.
Sherburne County Minnesota
Expert Response
I am sorry but there is no fix to this problem. Those trees have a severe case of sunscald which happened when they were younger and has only gotten worse. What you are seeing is a callus in the tree's attempt to survive. The third photo also shows that the lower part of the trunk is narrower than the upper portion. That is an indication of stem girdling roots. That tree was probably planted too deep or soil was piled up around the base. Both trees are probably dying. You probably should have a certified arborist make a house call and diagnosis. I am giving you three links. One to explain sunscald, one on winter injury and one a link on finding an arborist. On the one click on Find An Arborist. Once your location information is filled in a list of certified arborists in your area will appear. https://forestry.usu.edu/news/utah-forest-facts/sunscald-injury-or-southwest-winter-injury-on-deciduous-trees#:~:text=Partial%20List%20of%20Trees%20Susceptible%20to%20Sunscald%20,Crabapple%20%20%20Maple%20%20%20Willow%20 https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/winter-injury-trees-and-shrubs https://www.treesaregood.org/