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Struggling small maple tree #876906

Asked July 11, 2024, 11:40 PM EDT

I have a small maple tree (4') that is struggling this year and I am afraid it might die. The leaves have lost much of their dark dry chlorophyll are portions are turning brown. Is there something I can do to rescue the tree?

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Good afternoon and thank you for reaching out. Please attach a few more photos of the entire tree if you could please.
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Thank youf or contacting Ask Extension. I need a few more photos to be able to access the problems with your maple. Can you send me a picture of the entire tree, the trunk, the root flare, and a close up of the trunk and root flare? I also need to see where it is planted, so could you send me a picture of the tree and it's surrounding area? Also, does the area drain well? How much sun does it get? How much do you water it and fertilize it? 

Once I get this information, I can better determine the issue.


Thank you for contacting us! Replied July 12, 2024, 7:32 PM EDT

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Bases on the information and pictures that you sent, it appears that the leaves could be suffering from a lack of magnesium and moisture. I have included several publications for your reference on what you need to do. A soil pH is the first thing to be done to determine the exact nutrients missing. Home | MSU Soil Test

 https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/moisture_stress_and_lack_of_nutrients_contribute_to_maple_color_issues

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/chlorosis

https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=833

Thank you for contacting us! Replied July 16, 2024, 9:57 AM EDT

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