Maple tree with sunscald - Ask Extension
I had a Red Maple (Acer freemanii) planted in my front yard about 5 years ago. It has been very healthy and happy until this year. I first noticed...
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Maple tree with sunscald #712862
Asked August 13, 2020, 11:42 AM EDT
I had a Red Maple (Acer freemanii) planted in my front yard about 5 years ago. It has been very healthy and happy until this year. I first noticed the leaves on one side were starting to turn red about a month ago. It turns out this is on the south and west side of the tree and sure enough, that bark on that side is badly damaged with what I guess is sunscald. Can I use tree wrap and hope to let the tree repair in a year or 2? Is there anything else I can try? I would like to save the tree, as it replaced an ash tree that died from ash borers. Thank you in advance.
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your inquiry and I’m sorry about your tree! It does appear to be sunscald, as you mentioned, I’m sending you a link to this condition that may be of some help:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/environmental-disorders-of-woody-plants-2-932/
Unfortunately I could not find any treatment recommended other than to remove the damaged bark back to healthy tissue without damaging the healthy tissue. If you decide to do this, it would be a good idea to first clean your tool with bleach. You also might consider consulting one of the certified arborists we recommend. I’ll also send you that list.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/environmental-disorders-of-woody-plants-2-932/
Unfortunately I could not find any treatment recommended other than to remove the damaged bark back to healthy tissue without damaging the healthy tissue. If you decide to do this, it would be a good idea to first clean your tool with bleach. You also might consider consulting one of the certified arborists we recommend. I’ll also send you that list.
