Crimson King Maple with Bare Branches - Ask Extension
Hello,
This is the second year the Crimson King Maple in my yard has not developed leaves on some of the branches. It is about one-third barren.
Is...
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Crimson King Maple with Bare Branches #760548
Asked July 07, 2021, 9:43 PM EDT
Hello,
This is the second year the Crimson King Maple in my yard has not developed leaves on some of the branches. It is about one-third barren.
Is there anything I can do to help the tree? There aren't leaves on the ground, not dropping leaves; the tree is not sprouting leaves in the spring.
The other Crimson King Maples in the neighborhood look fine.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello Helane, happy to help.
It could be so many things. How old is your tree? Does the trunk flare out at the base or does it look more like a telephone pole at the base? Is there any bark damage to the tree? Are the leafless branches in any one particular location on the tree?
You can reply to this message and your answers. Photos of the full profile of the tree as well as close up of the trunk and barren branches would help.
Thanks!
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me.
I believe the tree was planted in 1968 to mark the property line--common here in southern Shoreview.
So, 53 years old on the tree.
I am attaching six photos of the tree.
Helane Monsour
Hello Helane,
I don't see much of a root flare at the base of the tree which leads me to suspect that there may be some stem girdling going on. If that's the case, it starts to show as tree stress such as fewer leaves. This is because the girdling roots are not allowing nutrients and stored energy back up into the tree in the spring. Here is a link to more information about it and possible remedies if caught early enough. Open the PDF that's on the left side of the page.
Since your tree is quite large, you may want to have a certified arborist examine and evaluate the tree for this and other possible causes for the fewer leaves. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional.
Good-luck!
I don't see much of a root flare at the base of the tree which leads me to suspect that there may be some stem girdling going on. If that's the case, it starts to show as tree stress such as fewer leaves. This is because the girdling roots are not allowing nutrients and stored energy back up into the tree in the spring. Here is a link to more information about it and possible remedies if caught early enough. Open the PDF that's on the left side of the page.
Since your tree is quite large, you may want to have a certified arborist examine and evaluate the tree for this and other possible causes for the fewer leaves. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional.
Good-luck!
Thank you so much for getting back to me.
There is an arborist who's done some work for me, and I will contact him.
Your responses are greatly appreciated.
Helane Monsour
