Red maple tree damage - Ask Extension
A young red maple tree was installed on a new construction. When they installed the tree We noticed it had damage n several areas of the trunk and a f...
Knowledgebase
Red maple tree damage #868203
Asked May 13, 2024, 1:24 PM EDT
A young red maple tree was installed on a new construction. When they installed the tree We noticed it had damage n several areas of the trunk and a few stems. I'm noticing the bark breaking open on more stems but I'm not 100 for sure if it's the same damage becoming larger or new damage.
I don't know if this tree will survive and I'm not sure what to do. I am concerned if the tree will die in a few years or months. What do you think about this trees, damage and his chance of survival?
We are considering moving this tree to another location if it will survive but if it has a high chance of dying prematurely then I don't want to spend the effort to replant it.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. You indicated it was installed recently. Have you contacted those who installed the tree? Did you purchase it from a nursery and do they guarantee their plants for the first year? Was it part of the construction for the new home? Did you notify the contractor? For a young, and newly planted tree, if you purchased it or it was part of the construction contract, I would suggest you get them to replace it. The concern is wounds expose the tree to greater susceptibility to disease and insects. The other thing to be aware of for a red maple is the ideal soil is moist, slightly acidic and fertile. Nutrient deficiency may occur in alkaline soils (above 7.0 soil pH).
More information on red maples can be found through this link: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple/
This is a young tree, but structurally it has some issues, and there is nothing you can do to treat the wound. Any type of sealant/coating can interfere with the wound-closure process. Trees can cover-over wounds given enough time and if the tissues responsible for the closure aren't damaged. There is always a risk of wood decay in the the exposed inner wood. This is a new tree, so I would encourage you to contact the contractor, the installer, or the nursery if you purchased for a replacement.
More information on red maples can be found through this link: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple/
This is a young tree, but structurally it has some issues, and there is nothing you can do to treat the wound. Any type of sealant/coating can interfere with the wound-closure process. Trees can cover-over wounds given enough time and if the tissues responsible for the closure aren't damaged. There is always a risk of wood decay in the the exposed inner wood. This is a new tree, so I would encourage you to contact the contractor, the installer, or the nursery if you purchased for a replacement.
