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Healthy leaves are dying on my maple tree #836938

Asked June 21, 2023, 9:37 PM EDT

My Norway maple has large, healthy, abundant leaves, but some of them are dark, wilting, and falling off the stems (which stay attached to the branch).  This is happening in sections throughout the tree.  I'm hoping you can help me figure out why it is doing this and what we can do to save the tree.  Thank you.

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Tracy,

When did you first notice these symptoms occurring? What are your watering practices for the tree?

Thanks!

Hania

Hania Oleszak Replied June 22, 2023, 12:55 PM EDT
I’ve noticed it to some extent in previous years, but it seems more pronounced now.  This year it began maybe a month ago, after it was fully leafed out.  We have had far more rain this year than usual so I haven’t had to water at all.  We also had a good amount of snow this winter so I didn’t need to water.  Normally, the climate is semi-arid, and it is watered three times a week during the summer when the lawn is irrigated.

Did you see the photos I attached?

Thank you.
Tracy

On Jun 22, 2023, at 10:55 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 8:28 AM EDT

Hi Tracy,

Yes, I received the photos. If you look where the wilted leaves are attached to the branch, do you notice breakage or potential chewing? Do you notice many squirrels around? Squirrels will often chew the bark of trees, but they can also prune off twig tips, similarly to how you're describing. Since this is a late season and the cold winter temperatures affected some fruit trees from producing, they may be experiencing a greater shortage of food this spring.

Hania 

Hania Oleszak Replied June 23, 2023, 4:47 PM EDT

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