Maple tree rot - Ask Extension
I have an Autumn Blaze Maple. It was planted 3 years ago, about 10 ft tall. It seems healthy 7 growing now at least 13 ft tall but the trunk has som...
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Maple tree rot #803911
Asked July 31, 2022, 6:17 PM EDT
I have an Autumn Blaze Maple. It was planted 3 years ago, about 10 ft tall. It seems healthy 7 growing now at least 13 ft tall but the trunk has some rot. 2 years ago the bark started to crack and peel on the south side. My research indicated this was from sun light in the winter causing thawing then freezing at night. The suggestion was to remove cracked bark with the tool wetted in a water & bleach solution. And to cover with a white trunk protector during the winter. I followed the instructions. Now the trunk is rotting where the bark had cracked away. Earlier this summer I spayed it with pruning spray that didn't seem to help. See pics below. Any advice? Can it be saved?
Thanks
John
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
It appears that this tree was planted too deep which can lead to stem girdling roots. It also may have been at least partially girdled in addition to the bark split. On the positive side, it does appear to have leafed out and is growing. Only an onsite inspection can determine the amount of damage. We recommend that an arborist do this. See the following websites for additional information.
1. https://richmondtreestewards.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/stem-girdling-roots1.pdf
2. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
1. https://richmondtreestewards.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/stem-girdling-roots1.pdf
2. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
