Hello,

Based on what you described and the images you provided, I believe your maples are experiencing a Decline.

It sounds like your maple trees are experiencing decline, which can be caused by various stress factors. Here are some possible reasons for the issues you’re observing:

Environmental Stress: Urban maples face air and water pollution, road salts, and injuries from construction and landscaping. In rural areas, insects can defoliate trees, depleting their energy reserves.

Physical Injuries: Bark splitting and dead branches may result from injuries. Soil compaction due to heavy equipment can also contribute.

Nutritional Imbalance: Poor soil conditions or lack of essential nutrients can weaken trees.

Drought: Prolonged dry periods stress trees, affecting their health.

Vandalism: Intentional damage can harm trees.

To help your maples recover:

Raise the Curb Height: If Road salts are an issue, raise the curb or construct a berm to protect the trees.

Improve Drainage: Divert runoff away from the trees.

Water Regularly: Water deeply every week or two without rain.

Fertilize: Use slow-release fertilizer or a layer of compost. Conducting a soil test before fertilizing is important to ensure your maple trees get the nutrients they need. Details on soil testing at this link: Get Started | MSU Soil Test

Prune: Remove dead twigs and branches.

Also, take a look at the .pdf file: Maple Decline: Various factors – Cornell University

In particular, look at these two (2) sections:

Symptoms and Signs

Management Strategies

Go to this link: mapledecline.pdf (cornell.edu)

The big issue is Verticillium Wilt – Bad stuff!

More information at these links:

Verticillium wilt refresher - MSU Extension

Verticillium wilt - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu)

BECAUSE OF WHAT I MENTIONED ABOVE

I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab for a confirmed and precise identification. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden>. Please include your name. The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI, the lab may also ask for additional images.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

I hope this helps!