Sugar Maple Tree - Rm43 herbicide damage - Ask Extension
I have 2 sugar maple trees along my paver driveway, base of the tree is 2ft from the edge of the paver driveway, I used Rm43 vegetation killer on my p...
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Sugar Maple Tree - Rm43 herbicide damage #861932
Asked March 19, 2024, 11:51 AM EDT
I have 2 sugar maple trees along my paver driveway, base of the tree is 2ft from the edge of the paver driveway, I used Rm43 vegetation killer on my paver driveway to get rid of weeds + mold in Sep 2022, since last spring 2023, the 2 trees are not putting leaves out... only small buds and some part of the tree got leaves, rest 80% of tree got no leaves... this year also I see the same pattern... branches are not dead, flexible... and when I scratch it's green... and some tip of the branches are dead about (4 to 5 cm)... attached are the images.. any solution ? does deep root liquid fertilizing with 6-12-12 help ?
Delaware County Ohio
Expert Response
I am not able to see the photos (I'm getting a message that a system error is preventing them from opening.) Could you please try to resend.
Thanks,
Linda
Thanks,
Linda
Thanks Linda, please find the pictures attached, if it doesn't work, please let me know
It's difficult to say for sure but based on the information and photos you have provided, herbicidal damage seems to be a likely explanation for the trees' condition. The product you used, Rm43 contains both glyphosate and imazapyr which are nonselective herbicides. Damage is done by affecting the chlorophyll in the foliage or by uptake through the roots. The label of the product states that it should not be applied closer than twice the distance from the trunk to the drip line of trees, as roots may occur in that area. It further lists sugar maple as a specific plant affected by the agent. Besides root uptake, air drift of the product when spraying is also possible.
Sometimes trees can outgrow herbicidal damage, especially if they were in good condition originally. Be sure to keep them well irrigated (but not wet!) during the growing season. Deep root feeding doesn't seem like a good idea, as the roots would be unlikely to be able to handle the fertilizer and could even be burned by it. If the trees start to come back, you could always prune out any dead or unsightly branches. FYI here is a link to a publication on herbicidal damage in trees:
Herbicide Damage to Trees | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.ed
Sometimes trees can outgrow herbicidal damage, especially if they were in good condition originally. Be sure to keep them well irrigated (but not wet!) during the growing season. Deep root feeding doesn't seem like a good idea, as the roots would be unlikely to be able to handle the fertilizer and could even be burned by it. If the trees start to come back, you could always prune out any dead or unsightly branches. FYI here is a link to a publication on herbicidal damage in trees:
Herbicide Damage to Trees | Nebraska Forest Service (unl.ed
Hi Linda,
I do have another issue with my arborvitae emerald green trees, I have those and each of them are about 20 feet tall... noticed spots are getting brown, branches from inside are drying out and hence the brown spots...
not sure if some bugs are causing this damage ? I noticed this since Feb 2024, want to save this from further damage, attached are pictures, can you please help with this and suggest a remedy ?
Thanks
Senthil
Leaf browning in arborvitae can result from a number of factors, including insufficient water, too much water or winter burn. Twig and needle blights (fungal disease) also can affect these trees. Check to see if any small black dots (spores) are present on the browned areas. Here is a link to a publication that discusses this problem and how to deal with it:
Landscape: Arborvitae Needle Blight | Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass Amherst
There are also insects that can cause problems in arborvitae, including spider mites and bagworms. You might want to consider having a certified arborist examine your trees to best determine the cause of their symptoms and how best to deal with them. You can locate one in your area by going to the following website: https://treesaregood.org
Remember to read the label and follow all label directions when electing any chemical control.
Landscape: Arborvitae Needle Blight | Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass Amherst
There are also insects that can cause problems in arborvitae, including spider mites and bagworms. You might want to consider having a certified arborist examine your trees to best determine the cause of their symptoms and how best to deal with them. You can locate one in your area by going to the following website: https://treesaregood.org
Remember to read the label and follow all label directions when electing any chemical control.
