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Maple tree dropping many leaves in July #766207

Asked August 07, 2021, 12:16 PM EDT

Our maple tree of 26 years suddenly began dropping many leafs daily starting this Past July.  Many of the dropped leafs look healthy, few do not.  More and more leaves that did not drop are dying on the branches.  Some branches are covered in dead leafs.  It also looks like one side of the tree is mostly affected.  None of the nearby maple trees are affected like this, they look normal.


Attached are some photos of the leafs and tree about a week ago.

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Good morning, Mr. Knight -- This question just came through but appears to be dated back in August.  Have you received a response from us previously?

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Hello Mr Knight

First, I apologize for the very late response to your question. Ask Extension recently was migrated to a new computer system and your question, along with about a dozen others, was in a queue that was not migrated properly. We just discovered them this week! Our normal response time is 2 days to one week.


I see Terri sent you a note. Here is the information you requested:

Your maple leaves show signs of anthracnose ( the brown areas). https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/anthracnose_diseases_of_shade_trees

The dieback on one or more branches can be caused by several things. Common issues are:

Verticillium wilt- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/verticillium_wilt_refresher

Girdling root- https://extension.umd.edu/resource/girdling-roots

Canker disease- http://pnwhandbooks.stage.extension.oregonstate.edu/plantdisease/host-disease/maple-acer-spp-branch-cankers

Damage, missing bark or cracking on that branch from animals, wind or ice storms, or humans and their machinery( e.g. a tall truck passes under a branch and cracks it)

You can hire a certified arborist who can correct girdling roots where possible, and diagnose/treat cankers and other diseases. These are professionals who have taken training in care, diseases, pests and passed certification tests. He/she will come on site and give a complete diagnosis and a plant care plan. Find certified arborists by zip code here—-

www.treesaregood.org

Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied November 26, 2021, 2:08 PM EST

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