Red MAple Tree Issues - Ask Extension
I'm not sure my original question was sent as it did not appear in my sent messages. So I will resend my question. As the pictures show there are bra...
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Red MAple Tree Issues #867853
Asked May 10, 2024, 10:07 AM EDT
I'm not sure my original question was sent as it did not appear in my sent messages. So I will resend my question. As the pictures show there are branches that have not leafed out. The buds are dead. Most of the branches still have lime green cambium, but several smaller branches look to be dead. Will this tree recover or will I have to remove the dead branches. On one tree it is its main leader?
Union County Iowa
Expert Response
It is possible that there was some dieback. There are a number of potential causes. Without knowing the site or care, it is difficult for me to say for sure. I suspect it was dry conditions combined with winter weather.
More information about what can cause dieback like this can be found here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/causes-branch-dieback-trees
Wait until the end of May/first part of June before making any decisions. By that point any branch that is not leafed-out is definitely dead and can be pruned out back to live tissue. If this pruning removes the central leader, a new should be trained.
More information here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/pruning-young-trees
More information about what can cause dieback like this can be found here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/causes-branch-dieback-trees
Wait until the end of May/first part of June before making any decisions. By that point any branch that is not leafed-out is definitely dead and can be pruned out back to live tissue. If this pruning removes the central leader, a new should be trained.
More information here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/pruning-young-trees
