Black on our maple tree - Ask Extension
Bowhall Red Maple purchased from a nursery and planted in Sept 2020 in our yard. I just noticed the black at the bottom of the tree-must be fairly rec...
Knowledgebase
Black on our maple tree #849375
Asked September 10, 2023, 11:22 PM EDT
Bowhall Red Maple purchased from a nursery and planted in Sept 2020 in our yard. I just noticed the black at the bottom of the tree-must be fairly recent because I've not seen it when weeding, etc. What is it? Can we save this tree?
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
As you said, it looks like the tree sustained some damage recently. It looks like something physically scraped or injured the tree causing the hole and response from the tree. If this is recent, it likely isn't caused by sunscald (it's like sunburn on a tree trunk from intense afternoon sun), this can happen on the west or south side of a young tree during summer. This could be something to watch for however, depending upon the direction your tree is facing.
Unfortunately there isn't much you can do for the current damage other than keeping the tree healthy by providing the needed nutrients and irrigation. I think it is likely that the tree will heal itself and be ok.
The photo of the leaf is not related to the trunk damage, it looks healthy, it is just starting to get some fall color.
Here is some further information:
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP683.pdf
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
As you said, it looks like the tree sustained some damage recently. It looks like something physically scraped or injured the tree causing the hole and response from the tree. If this is recent, it likely isn't caused by sunscald (it's like sunburn on a tree trunk from intense afternoon sun), this can happen on the west or south side of a young tree during summer. This could be something to watch for however, depending upon the direction your tree is facing.
Unfortunately there isn't much you can do for the current damage other than keeping the tree healthy by providing the needed nutrients and irrigation. I think it is likely that the tree will heal itself and be ok.
The photo of the leaf is not related to the trunk damage, it looks healthy, it is just starting to get some fall color.
Here is some further information:
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP683.pdf
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
