Knowledgebase

Maple tree dropping leaves #877588

Asked July 17, 2024, 9:59 AM EDT

I have a maple tree that is dropping leaves from several spots on the tree. This is not a complete shedding of leaves but areas here and there. What could be the cause of this and is there anything I can do about it?

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
How old is this tree?
I need a photo from two sides of the bottom two feet of the tree as it enters the ground. 
I would also like a picture of both sides of a fallen leaf that is still partially green.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied July 17, 2024, 2:55 PM EDT
The tree was on the property when we bought the house but it is probably 35-40 years old. Attached are the pictures you requested. Thank you for attending to these concerns. 
On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 1:55 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2024, 4:46 PM EDT
Thank you for writing.
A couple possibilities come to mind. 
Verticulum Wilt is top of the list. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2005/jun/071602.htm
Second, possibly severe overwatering with an auto sprinkler.

Third, it could be a condition called chlorosis  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-27-W.pdf

Please obtain a soil test  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/ which will help with chlorosis.
A tree professional should see this (not an emergency--they are busy with storm damage) https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied July 17, 2024, 5:09 PM EDT
Is there a repository of certified arborist for my area? I live in Duluth 

Gerry Nierengarten, EdD
Associate Professor
University of Minnesota Duluth
<personal data hidden>


On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 4:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 9:33 AM EDT
Hello, the University of MN does not keep such lists however if you google certified arborist duluth  you will find a number of ISA certified firm.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied July 18, 2024, 1:48 PM EDT

Loading ...