Sugar maple: is it in imminent danger of falling or dying? - Ask Extension
The sugar maple we planted 35 or more years ago developed this crack. How likely is it to die soon, or to fall onto our house? Thank you.
Knowledgebase
Sugar maple: is it in imminent danger of falling or dying? #760197
Asked July 06, 2021, 9:26 AM EDT
The sugar maple we planted 35 or more years ago developed this crack. How likely is it to die soon, or to fall onto our house? Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The crack you are seeing is probably a sunscald crack from many years ago when the tree was young. It didn't just happen. I can't tell you if the tree is likely to fail based on a photo. You should have a certified arborist look at the tree. An arborist can poke around in that crack to see how much rot is inside the tree. Look here to find an arborist:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
On the positive side, the root flare looks good (I don't see evidence of stem-girdling roots, a common cause of tree failure), and I don't see any included bark (a common cause of branch failure). But the crack is worrisome, so get an arborist's opinion.
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
On the positive side, the root flare looks good (I don't see evidence of stem-girdling roots, a common cause of tree failure), and I don't see any included bark (a common cause of branch failure). But the crack is worrisome, so get an arborist's opinion.
Dennis,
Thank you very much for your opinion and this advice. The arborist-finding tool looks good.
I want to ask another question about trees, our arborvitae. l am going to send it via the web site so I can include a photo or two. It may go to you or to another person. I appreciate the benefit the expertise you and your associates share.
Thank you.
Marcia Pankake
