Big Leap Maple trees suffering - Ask Extension
I have read several articles about this problem all over the Northwest. I did take out a clump a few years ago and left the stump which sent up stron...
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Big Leap Maple trees suffering #815432
Asked October 28, 2022, 1:07 PM EDT
I have read several articles about this problem all over the Northwest. I did take out a clump a few years ago and left the stump which sent up strong healthy suckers...Not wanting it where it was, I removed the stump. My question is....Can I save my other three trees if I have them cut back...the tops diminished, etc. without losing them totally. I irrigate where they are planted and feed as well as there are shrubs in the bed. The entire area where I live is showing loss of these maples.
Sandra Bruni, Eugene, OR
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Greetings,
sorry to hear about your trees. So we can best assist you, can you please share pictures or a description of the symptoms observed in the tree that you removed?
Thanks.
sorry to hear about your trees. So we can best assist you, can you please share pictures or a description of the symptoms observed in the tree that you removed?
Thanks.
It would be impossible to send photos of tree removed but I will send you pictures of the three trees I am considering cutting back in an effort to try and save them. The one removed previously sent up such vigorous "suckers" from the stump I thought maybe a severe cut back of the canopy of those three remaining would stimulate some healthy growth and if smaller not require so much water/etc. I have plenty of water and I fertilize in the spring. If you think these are going to succumb like so many in the valley I don't want to spend the money trying to save them.
Pictures to follow
Sandra Bruni
Photos don't capture the trees entirely because they are so close but you can see the canopy is sparse, the leaves are smaller and there is an abundance of the "helicopters" this year. The foliage in prior years was dense with very large leaves. The trees on properties near us are in dismal shape too....ours have not been stressed until this year Thank you in advance for your advice. Sandra Bruni
Thanks, Sandra, for the photos and additional information. Our team will take a closer look and respond soon.
Hi Sandra,
Your photos and description of small leaves, thin upper canopy, and heavy seed set match the symptoms of Bigleaf Maple Decline. There is not a clear scientific understanding yet of this disease, which was first observed in our area in 2010. The Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbook helpfully suggests to "maintain trees as best you can with minimal care and infrequent deep waterings during the summer months while forest pathologist[s] scratch their heads." A University of Washington study has tied this disease to hotter drier summers. Based on this, keeping the tree watered as you are doing is your best course of action. I would avoid heavy pruning, as it will cause additional stress to the tree, and will not likely solve the root of the problem. It is tragic to think that these majestic native trees on your property might ultimately be the victims of climate change, but as long as our summers continue to trend towards hotter and drier conditions, there is no known means to remedy the issue. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!
Sarah Bronstein
Master Gardener Trainee, 2022
Reviewed by Elizabeth Records (she/hers)
Education Program Assistant 2
Community Horticulture & Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Oregon State University Extension Service | Linn & Benton County
thank you so much for your advice. I intend to see that they get some deep trickle watering and some fertilizer in February. What a shame....My father was a nurseryman as were his brothers and any tree becomes part of the family. haha The Brooks family...Carlton Nursery Co. for many years while they were all still alive. I will do my best to keep them alive.
Sandra Bruni
I’m sure you know it was the trees I was hoping to keep alive…not ancestors. Lol would if I could!
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On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 8:36 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thanks, glad to help. Good luck!
