Silver Maple Tree - Ask Extension
Every year our Silver Maple has these little chips or shavings that come down in one or two areas onto our deck. we have had several arborist come out...
Knowledgebase
Silver Maple Tree #848393
Asked September 03, 2023, 7:34 AM EDT
Every year our Silver Maple has these little chips or shavings that come down in one or two areas onto our deck. we have had several arborist come out and they state the tree is fine. We maintain the tree with regular trimming so it stays healthy. Pictures below of what the small shavings look like. What do you think it is and should we be worried?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Karen,
It's hard to say what the shavings are. My advice is to use binoculars to look up into the branches of the tree above where the shavings drop to look for any damage or signs of damage. Could be large wounds from woodpeckers feeding, or smaller holes in lines from sapsuckers (which are woodpeckers, and feed differently). Also look for holes in the bark from which insects may be emerging.
You should do this now, while the shavings are falling. If you don't spot anything, take another look once the leaves fall off the tree as the branches will be much more exposed. Once the leaves have fallen, you may also be able to view the branches from different angles.
And I'm glad you have an arborist check the tree annually. If there is any damage, that person will surely see it on their next visit.
Thank you,
-Julie
It's hard to say what the shavings are. My advice is to use binoculars to look up into the branches of the tree above where the shavings drop to look for any damage or signs of damage. Could be large wounds from woodpeckers feeding, or smaller holes in lines from sapsuckers (which are woodpeckers, and feed differently). Also look for holes in the bark from which insects may be emerging.
You should do this now, while the shavings are falling. If you don't spot anything, take another look once the leaves fall off the tree as the branches will be much more exposed. Once the leaves have fallen, you may also be able to view the branches from different angles.
And I'm glad you have an arborist check the tree annually. If there is any damage, that person will surely see it on their next visit.
Thank you,
-Julie
