Tree Branch Question - Ask Extension
Hi I have what I believe is a red maple tree, approximately 15 feet tall. I noticed that one of the branches has these long openings. The branch in...
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Tree Branch Question #798659
Asked June 29, 2022, 5:39 PM EDT
Hi I have what I believe is a red maple tree, approximately 15 feet tall. I noticed that one of the branches has these long openings. The branch in question is only about 5/8 " thick, as this a fairly young tree, just planted as a sapling a few years ago. The rest of the branches look normal. Any idea what is causing these openings?
~ Kevin
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Kevin,
This looks like it could be damage from last year's cicada population?
https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/unexpected-dead-leaves-they-might-be-the-last-sign-of-the-17-year-cicada/
If so, you can prune out the damage if you'd like. If that branch continues to support green leaves, then it may be best to just leave the branch as is until an issue arises. If this happened last year, the tree has already sealed off the wound to prevent infection from fungal or bacterial pathogens.
Thank you,
Julie
This looks like it could be damage from last year's cicada population?
https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/unexpected-dead-leaves-they-might-be-the-last-sign-of-the-17-year-cicada/
If so, you can prune out the damage if you'd like. If that branch continues to support green leaves, then it may be best to just leave the branch as is until an issue arises. If this happened last year, the tree has already sealed off the wound to prevent infection from fungal or bacterial pathogens.
Thank you,
Julie
Hi Julie,
I appreciate your assistance with this. Thanks!
~Kevin
