Maple tree - Ask Extension
I have what i think is a blaze maple that only the bottom half leafed out this spring. What is wrong with it?
Knowledgebase
Maple tree #750974
Asked May 19, 2021, 9:29 PM EDT
I have what i think is a blaze maple that only the bottom half leafed out this spring. What is wrong with it?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello Steve,
The photos show no obvious issue with the tree like physical damage or cankers. Tthe photos don't cover the entire tree top to bottom and all around. Also my research doesn't reveal any disease manifested by branch death starting from the top of a maple. I recommend having a certified arborist evaluate your entire tree. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional.
Good-luck!
The photos show no obvious issue with the tree like physical damage or cankers. Tthe photos don't cover the entire tree top to bottom and all around. Also my research doesn't reveal any disease manifested by branch death starting from the top of a maple. I recommend having a certified arborist evaluate your entire tree. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional.
Good-luck!
The two things that I have found on the internet are verticillium wilt and girdling roots.
The question I have is: if the top half does not have any leaves is it dead and not savable? I would rather put my money into a new tree as opposed to paying for an Arborist.
On May 20, 2021, at 9:39 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hello Steve,
The leaves appear to be very green and healthy so I doubt it's verticillium wilt. Girdling roots may be a problem but again, I've seen maple tree leaves look chlorotic when the trunk is constricted. I can't see the base of the tree very well but if it flares out and doesn't look like a straight telephone pole at the soil line, then it probably isn't girdling roots.
If you want to try pruning the unproductive branches, scratch the surface of the branches to see if it's green underneath; if not, they're dead. You could prune out the dead parts and see what the tree does on its own.
Your tree will need a new leader because the old leader is dead down to wherever it leafs out - probably at the topmost live lateral branch. It will require some skilled training of a side branch at the new top to create a new leader after removing the dead branches.
Good-luck!
The leaves appear to be very green and healthy so I doubt it's verticillium wilt. Girdling roots may be a problem but again, I've seen maple tree leaves look chlorotic when the trunk is constricted. I can't see the base of the tree very well but if it flares out and doesn't look like a straight telephone pole at the soil line, then it probably isn't girdling roots.
If you want to try pruning the unproductive branches, scratch the surface of the branches to see if it's green underneath; if not, they're dead. You could prune out the dead parts and see what the tree does on its own.
Your tree will need a new leader because the old leader is dead down to wherever it leafs out - probably at the topmost live lateral branch. It will require some skilled training of a side branch at the new top to create a new leader after removing the dead branches.
Good-luck!
