Autumn Blaze Maple trees - Ask Extension
Hello! I live in West Central Minnesota (just east of Moorhead). I planted 4 Autumn Blaze Maples about 4 years ago. I now have two left that have surv...
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Autumn Blaze Maple trees #847940
Asked August 30, 2023, 3:08 PM EDT
Hello! I live in West Central Minnesota (just east of Moorhead). I planted 4 Autumn Blaze Maples about 4 years ago. I now have two left that have survived. I am very particular with maintaining them yet have had 2 that have died and a 3rd seems to be on its way out as well. It has completely yellow leaves with brown dried up edges. It seems to have slowed or stopped growing. Is there anything I can do to this tree to help it or is it too far gone? The last remaining one seems to be doing great. Its branches grow crazy all over the place and seems like it has softer than normal branches/trunk. Two winters ago it had a large vertical split in the trunk (probably 3' long) but other than that very healthy. Attached are pics of the two I have left. The split trunk is on the healthy tree. I would like to plant two (or 3 more if they yellow one dies). Are there Maple varieties that are better for my area?
Thank you!!
Clay County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
I am a bit confused by your pictures.
Can you send me two pics of each tree labeled Tree 1 whole and Tree 1 bottom
and Tree 2 whole and Tree 2 bottom
The bottom pic should focus on the lower two feet where the tree enters the ground.
I am a bit confused by your pictures.
Can you send me two pics of each tree labeled Tree 1 whole and Tree 1 bottom
and Tree 2 whole and Tree 2 bottom
The bottom pic should focus on the lower two feet where the tree enters the ground.
Hi Steve, Attached are the pics you requested.
Thank you for your help! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Josh
Thank you for writing back.
Tree 2 is planted too deep, (no root flare). This often causes stem root girdling about this time. Dig out around the tree to about 5 inches deep to look for the encircling roots.
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/all-about-stem-girdling-roots
By contrast Tree 1 is planted at the right depth (note flare on my magnification and compare to Tree 2) but it is heavily damaged.
Autumn Blaze is a very pretty, fast growing tree but it is fragile and requires pruning every two to three years to thin it out and remove weak branch joints. It is a large tree, 30 feet wide and to prevent crowding when mature should be spaced about 35 feet from each other.
The choice of a Maple depends on your preferences. This is what we suggest. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/red-maple Any choice of a tree should be made based on the size of your lot, overhead wires, nearness to structures, and in consideration of shade pattern that you want on your property--lawn and garden. Maples have shallow roots--selecting ground covers can require trial and error.
Tree 2 is planted too deep, (no root flare). This often causes stem root girdling about this time. Dig out around the tree to about 5 inches deep to look for the encircling roots.
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/all-about-stem-girdling-roots
By contrast Tree 1 is planted at the right depth (note flare on my magnification and compare to Tree 2) but it is heavily damaged.
Autumn Blaze is a very pretty, fast growing tree but it is fragile and requires pruning every two to three years to thin it out and remove weak branch joints. It is a large tree, 30 feet wide and to prevent crowding when mature should be spaced about 35 feet from each other.
The choice of a Maple depends on your preferences. This is what we suggest. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/red-maple Any choice of a tree should be made based on the size of your lot, overhead wires, nearness to structures, and in consideration of shade pattern that you want on your property--lawn and garden. Maples have shallow roots--selecting ground covers can require trial and error.
Hello again!
Thank you for all of your information on my Maple trees. Is there anything I can do to tree 1 to help it survive or is it too far gone?
Thanks again!
Thank you for writing back.
I am sorry that I messed up on the ID of your trees.
Tree 2 is young and heavily damaged. It should be replaced.
Tree 1 does not have the root flare and has a failing crown of leaves and may have stem girdling due to being planted too deep.
Carefully dig out and expose the root system for six inches below the ground and for foot out from the trunk and I might be able to make a guess. Sometimes, root surgery is possible. Otherwise, you could just let it grow and see what happens next year. It gets worse over time.
Otherwise you should consult a certified tree professional. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
I am sorry that I messed up on the ID of your trees.
Tree 2 is young and heavily damaged. It should be replaced.
Tree 1 does not have the root flare and has a failing crown of leaves and may have stem girdling due to being planted too deep.
Carefully dig out and expose the root system for six inches below the ground and for foot out from the trunk and I might be able to make a guess. Sometimes, root surgery is possible. Otherwise, you could just let it grow and see what happens next year. It gets worse over time.
Otherwise you should consult a certified tree professional. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
