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Woodland Maple Tree #869157

Asked May 19, 2024, 7:09 PM EDT

Half of the tree did not leaf out. Other half has leaves. Leaves look shriveled in places. Any suggestions would be appreciated Thank you

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Your tree is in trouble.  The dieback of the canopy is a sign of serious problems.  The leaf damage might be caused by a sucking insects such as aphids.  But these insects wouldn't be a problem on a healthy tree and yours is not.

I can't diagnose based on photos.  You should have a certified arborist look at the tree to see what is causing the dieback and whether it can be saved:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist

One final note and a possible cause:  one of your photos shows what looks like mechanical damage (lawn mower? weed whip?) to the base of the trunk.  This is the kind of damage that can seriously injury or kill a tree:
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-492-w.pdf
https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agriculture/2020/gedon_tree_trunk_damage.html
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/environmental/mechanical
Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 20, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
Thank you I appreciate your advice.

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2024 12:26 PM
To: Pat Ostmoe <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Woodland Maple Tree (#0139078)
 
The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2024, 2:12 PM EDT

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