maple tree decline - Ask Extension
This spring our large maple is showing a lot of dead branches and twigs. It's noticeably worse this Spring than in previous years. The tree is five fe...
Knowledgebase
maple tree decline #870674
Asked May 29, 2024, 10:11 PM EDT
This spring our large maple is showing a lot of dead branches and twigs. It's noticeably worse this Spring than in previous years. The tree is five feet from the sidewalk and is pushing the sidewalk up. On the other side, the tree has access to an open area of lawn. It's pushing the lawn up, but that's ok. The leaves that there are look healthy, but I'd say the total coverage of living leaves is now only about 50%. I fear the tree will slowly die and I'd rather get rid of it sooner than later. However, it there is a way to revive it, that would be much better. There is some fungus, and the trunk displays a lot of light color rather than the darker trunks of nearby maples. There have been no significant changes to the tree's environment in at least 25 years.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Peter and thanks for your question about your maple tree. I've noticed a lot of maples with dead branches this year and suspect they may have gotten hit with our extreme temperatures this winter.
When you say that there have been no significant changes in the last 25 years, you are forgetting the drought, heat dome and a couple other weather/climate events that we have experienced. Trees that were adapted to our Northwest climate now need water in the dry summers if we want them to survive.
If you want a professional opinion, you can always call an ISA certified arborist to come look at the tree. They usually don't charge unless they do something. Get several opinions and here is a website to help find one in your area.
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
If you want to cut off the dead branches, look for signs of insects, discoloration etc. and take some pictures. This may help to identify what is going on with the tree.
Good luck,
When you say that there have been no significant changes in the last 25 years, you are forgetting the drought, heat dome and a couple other weather/climate events that we have experienced. Trees that were adapted to our Northwest climate now need water in the dry summers if we want them to survive.
If you want a professional opinion, you can always call an ISA certified arborist to come look at the tree. They usually don't charge unless they do something. Get several opinions and here is a website to help find one in your area.
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
If you want to cut off the dead branches, look for signs of insects, discoloration etc. and take some pictures. This may help to identify what is going on with the tree.
Good luck,
