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Red maple problem #791903

Asked May 21, 2022, 9:18 AM EDT

I'm reaching out about a question regarding a red maple in my backyard that didn't fully green up this spring, and I'd already been worried about it because it has several scars on its trunk that look like cankers (see attached pics). Now it seems like it's dying. We live in a (relatively) new construction neighborhood in New Hill, and I've noticed that a few of our neighbors' backyard red maples have died in the past year, too, though I'm uncertain of the cause. In any case, we'd like to replace it, possibly with another maple, but if this one fell victim to a disease, e.g. a fungus that's in the soil, I'd be concerned that the new one may be vulnerable, as well. We also have a red maple in our front yard (pic attached) that has similar marks on its trunk, but it seems to be doing OK. Do you have any suggestions for how to approach this problem, both for the dying tree in the backyard that we'd like to replace, and also the seemingly OK tree in our front yard?

Wake County North Carolina

Expert Response

Hello,

My first thought is that the soil is probably very compacted as it is in most new neighborhoods. If that is the case and it is mostly clay the tree probably has root rot and or a fungus. Here is a link with pictures of common maple tree problems. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/common-disease-pests-of-maple-in-north-carolina

I would start with a soil test for both areas. There is no charge at this time and all the details are at this link, https://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/uyrst.htm.

Any soil pH above 6.5, will cause manganese deficiencies resulting in chlorotic (yellowish) leaves, stunted growth which may kill the tree. Maples are very sensitive to salt in the soil as well.

Also, thin-barked trunks of young trees need winter protection with tree guards to prevent frost cracks and sunscald. This may be the reason for the trunk cracks which are very common with maple trees.

The second step to help identify your problem is to investigate the root system when you take out the tree. This will tell you if it has too little water or too much. I would not plant any new trees until you have had the soil test and checked the soil conditions. This will help you know what tree to choose and how much you will need to alter the soil. I also would wait until fall. Our weather right now is so hot it would be difficult to establish any new plant. I hope this helps and I am very sorry for the delayed response. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Melody Replied June 23, 2022, 10:47 AM EDT

Red maple problem #791903

Expert Response

I would start with a soil test for both areas. There is no charge at this time and all the details are at this link, https://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/uyrst.htm.

Any soil pH above 6.5, will cause manganese deficiencies resulting in chlorotic (yellowish) leaves, stunted growth which may kill the tree. Maples are very sensitive to salt in the soil as well.

Also, thin-barked trunks of young trees need winter protection with tree guards to prevent frost cracks and sunscald. This may be the reason for the trunk cracks which are very common with maple trees.

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