Maple trees dying - Ask Extension
Can maple trees die from too much water in the soil? I have already lost one large maple tree, and my other is down to about 30% of its original size....
Knowledgebase
Maple trees dying #870157
Asked May 26, 2024, 1:42 PM EDT
Can maple trees die from too much water in the soil? I have already lost one large maple tree, and my other is down to about 30% of its original size. I’ve lived here 28 years and have had no problem with the trees until now. Some of the other maple trees on my block are having the same issue. Whole branches go dead and then fall off in the wind. I had a man from the conservation office come out and look at my trees, but he could see nothing wrong with them. The bark was good, the leaves were good, There’s nothing around the base of the tree. There is a lot of water in this area of town. Can they die from too much water? Or what else should I look for?
Hamilton County Iowa
Expert Response
One season of wet conditions is not likely to cause an established tree (such as these that are at least 28 years old) to have this level of damage.
There are a number of reasons why branches dieback on trees. It is difficult to speculate what the precise reason your tree is losing limbs.
This articles outlines the reasons we see branch dieback in trees. Use it to evaluate your situation and potentially identify the reason and a management strategy to address it.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/causes-branch-dieback-trees
On maple, if the growing conditions are relatively good (no standing water, no construction or root damage, etc.) and the tree is otherwise healthy (good looking leaves, no major damage to trunks or large branches, etc.) then I often start first by investigating anthracnose. Based on the little bit of information I have, that may be an issue as it is common disease in maple in Iowa. I cannot diagnose that this tree has this vascular disease, but it may be a good place to start. The only way to confirm the presence of anthracnose is to have it tested. More information about that process can be found on the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic's website: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/anthracnose-shade-trees-0
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question.
There are a number of reasons why branches dieback on trees. It is difficult to speculate what the precise reason your tree is losing limbs.
This articles outlines the reasons we see branch dieback in trees. Use it to evaluate your situation and potentially identify the reason and a management strategy to address it.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/causes-branch-dieback-trees
On maple, if the growing conditions are relatively good (no standing water, no construction or root damage, etc.) and the tree is otherwise healthy (good looking leaves, no major damage to trunks or large branches, etc.) then I often start first by investigating anthracnose. Based on the little bit of information I have, that may be an issue as it is common disease in maple in Iowa. I cannot diagnose that this tree has this vascular disease, but it may be a good place to start. The only way to confirm the presence of anthracnose is to have it tested. More information about that process can be found on the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic's website: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/anthracnose-shade-trees-0
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question.
