Maple Tree turning red - Ask Extension
We have two maple trees in our yard. One is starting to turn red now. I read that it could be stressed to lack of water, but we have had plenty of r...
Knowledgebase
Maple Tree turning red #877077
Asked July 13, 2024, 11:31 AM EDT
We have two maple trees in our yard. One is starting to turn red now. I read that it could be stressed to lack of water, but we have had plenty of rain this year. I also read that it could be a soil condition, but then why is not the other tree right next to it with this same condition. What can I do
To correct this condition? The trees are about 25 years old - I believe the name is Autumn Spire. Beautiful trees!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Early color of a maple is usually a sign of stem girdling roots. I do not have a photo of the base of that tree, where it meets the soil, but I would guess that the trunk looks fairly straight up like a pole. It should flair out as it gets closer to the soil. The tree probably was planted too deep or soil was piled up around the base with a flower garden. If this is a possible cause, I recommend that you have a certified arborist make a house call to try to dig down and cut away the stem girdling roots in hope to help your tree recover. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/storm-damage-landscape-trees#stem-girdling-roots-1442762 Go to this site and click on Find An Arborist. Enter your zip code when prompted and a list of certified arborists in your area will appear. https://www.treesaregood.org/
