Reb Bloodgood Maple Not Looking Healthy - Ask Extension
We have a Red Bloodgood Maple that is not looking healthy this year. The leaves are sporadic with several bare areas. I've attached some pictures. Any...
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Reb Bloodgood Maple Not Looking Healthy #795594
Asked June 12, 2022, 7:25 PM EDT
We have a Red Bloodgood Maple that is not looking healthy this year. The leaves are sporadic with several bare areas. I've attached some pictures. Any idea on what may be wrong and what we can do to help it?
County
Expert Response
Dear Alan,
Thank you for contacting us. Can you please reply to this email with the following information so that we can try to advise you?
I'll be glad to try to help you with the additional information.
Thank you for contacting us. Can you please reply to this email with the following information so that we can try to advise you?
- When did you first notice the leaf drop? Did the tree fill out this year and then start dropping leaves, or did it not leaf out properly?
- Has there been any digging or other activity in the area of the root zone?
- Can you please send a photo of the trunk where it meets the soil line?
- Are the existing leaves healthy? If not, please describe.
I'll be glad to try to help you with the additional information.
1. There was no leaf drop, they just haven't filed in. I've attacheda couple more pictures of the tree to show that it has bare spots.
2. No digging out other activity. Photos of trunk attached.
3. The leaves that are there look healthy. I've attacheda picture of them too.
Thank you,
Alan Hopkins
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022, 11:33 AM
To: Alan Hopkins <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Reb Bloodgood Maple Not Looking Healthy (#0065525)
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022, 11:33 AM
To: Alan Hopkins <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Reb Bloodgood Maple Not Looking Healthy (#0065525)
Dear Alan,
Thank you for sending the additional photos. There are several items noted, and one or more may contribute to the dieback.
The growth of the canopy gives the impression that there may be a root problem. Japanese maples are susceptible to fungal problems including root rot, and one sign would be sections of healthy leaves combined with sections of necrosis.
The photo of the trunk shows a line about 3 inches above the soil level that may indicate that the soil/mulch was deeper at some time. The flare at the bottom of the trunk should always be visible above the soil level in order to avoid root problems.
The condition of the trunk bark is a concern. There appears to be loose bark that may be a result of repeated freeze-thaw cycles in winter or spring. There also seems to be a deep crotch where the trunk forks out into the canopy. This can result in included bark that gets trapped in the center. Both of these conditions can leave the tree vulnerable to disease.
I recommend that you have the tree inspected by a qualified arborist. Many times there is no charge for an initial consultation. Choose someone who specializes in tree health as opposed to someone who simply cuts trees. This publication may help you: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
I wish I could give you a more concrete response, but in this case where a professional assessment is needed. Please feel free to write again if we may be of any help.
Thank you for sending the additional photos. There are several items noted, and one or more may contribute to the dieback.
The growth of the canopy gives the impression that there may be a root problem. Japanese maples are susceptible to fungal problems including root rot, and one sign would be sections of healthy leaves combined with sections of necrosis.
The photo of the trunk shows a line about 3 inches above the soil level that may indicate that the soil/mulch was deeper at some time. The flare at the bottom of the trunk should always be visible above the soil level in order to avoid root problems.
The condition of the trunk bark is a concern. There appears to be loose bark that may be a result of repeated freeze-thaw cycles in winter or spring. There also seems to be a deep crotch where the trunk forks out into the canopy. This can result in included bark that gets trapped in the center. Both of these conditions can leave the tree vulnerable to disease.
I recommend that you have the tree inspected by a qualified arborist. Many times there is no charge for an initial consultation. Choose someone who specializes in tree health as opposed to someone who simply cuts trees. This publication may help you: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
I wish I could give you a more concrete response, but in this case where a professional assessment is needed. Please feel free to write again if we may be of any help.
