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Autumn Blaze Maple Wind Damage #889847

Asked November 14, 2024, 4:32 PM EST

Hello, Our autumn blaze maple was significantly damaged due to high winds this summer. The main trunk was broken (2 images attached), however the remaining branches appeared to thrive through the summer/fall. Considering this damage and type of tree, would it be just a matter of time until the tree dies from this injury (and we should look to replace in the near future), or will the tree be able to overcome and continue to grow relatively healthy? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

I'm sorry to see your tree damaged, but good questions. The tree will not die from the storm damage but is and will be misshaped. Information from the Wisconsin Extension website tells us about Autumn Blaze maples: 

At maturity it will have an oval to rounded crown with ascending branches and a well-defined central leader. This tree is not as susceptible to storm damage as silver maple because it has superior crotch angles and a well-balanced branching habit (inherited from its red maple parent) but still has the weaker wood characteristic of the silver maple. It grows in a very uniform shape, so requires little, if any, pruning.

That said, your tree is the exception. Because of the storm damage your tree has no central leader, which gives a tree strength and good structure. The point of damage will like likely be a future weak point, prone to decay and poorly attached branches. The tree wants to and will grow! If it were my tree, I would leave it and see how it does knowing that likely in the near or distant future it will fail - more broken branches. In the meantime, I would plant another shade tree close by that ultimately will take its place. A few good alternative shade trees are: Bur oak, Kentucky Coffee tree, Hackberry, Ohio Buckeye.

https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2016/10/AutumnBlazeMaple.pdf

Paul -Tree Care Advisor volunteer

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 15, 2024, 11:06 AM EST

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