maple tree - Ask Extension
I have a maple tree that was planted about 17 years ago. Some roots were appearing in the lawn and I removed one in the fall of 2022. I noticed the...
Knowledgebase
maple tree #877618
Asked July 17, 2024, 12:40 PM EDT
I have a maple tree that was planted about 17 years ago. Some roots were appearing in the lawn and I removed one in the fall of 2022. I noticed the tree as some branches that have more yellowish leaves in a section and dropping some. I suspect it may be due to the root removal (but not sure). My questions is what could be happening with this tree and how can I help it recover? Thank you
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for your inquiry. It is possible that removal of one of the tree's roots caused enough stress to cause this issue; however, there are other possibilities as well.
Chlorosis is a loss of chlorophyll in the leaves. Many conditions can cause chlorosis in trees. The most common are various nutrient deficiencies, extreme pH levels or drought. We've had a fairly wet summer so far, so drought seems unlikely...unless removal of a root caused a lack of moisture reaching the canopy.
Red maples are affected by chlorosis more often than other maples. Some nutrients that trees need to produce chlorophyll, including iron and manganese, may be deficient or depleted in the soils of some local areas. In other cases, excess potassium or phosphorus may actually limit accessibility of these critical nutrients. A principal cause of nutrient availability, however, is soil pH. Soils can be either acidic or alkaline, typically ranging from extremes of 7.5 (highly alkaline) to 4.5 (highly acidic) on an overall scale of 0 to 14. Urban soils in particular are more likely to be more alkaline, as are areas of the state with limestone bedrock. Sandy soils and special features like bogs are more acidic. In either case, if soils are above 6.5 or below 5.0, the nutrients needed for healthy chlorophyll production may be limited.
Your first step should be to conduct a soil test. Self-mailer soil test kits from the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab are available. The cost is $26. The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments. Be sure to tell them what kind of maple tree is planted in the area being tested, and let them know you removed a root (was it large?). The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments.
You can obtain a test kit at the link below, or you may be able to obtain one from your local garden center...however that one may not be a thorough.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension
Most chemical soil treatments for pH take some time to be effective and can be quite involved. If you find soil amendments may be necessary, you may wish to consult a certified arborist to assist with the diagnosis and advise re. the best way to proceed. Hiring a certified arborist will ensure that you are getting a knowledgeable and qualified tree specialist. You can find a certified arborist in your area here:
http://www.treesaregood.org/
Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.
Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way.
Chlorosis is a loss of chlorophyll in the leaves. Many conditions can cause chlorosis in trees. The most common are various nutrient deficiencies, extreme pH levels or drought. We've had a fairly wet summer so far, so drought seems unlikely...unless removal of a root caused a lack of moisture reaching the canopy.
Red maples are affected by chlorosis more often than other maples. Some nutrients that trees need to produce chlorophyll, including iron and manganese, may be deficient or depleted in the soils of some local areas. In other cases, excess potassium or phosphorus may actually limit accessibility of these critical nutrients. A principal cause of nutrient availability, however, is soil pH. Soils can be either acidic or alkaline, typically ranging from extremes of 7.5 (highly alkaline) to 4.5 (highly acidic) on an overall scale of 0 to 14. Urban soils in particular are more likely to be more alkaline, as are areas of the state with limestone bedrock. Sandy soils and special features like bogs are more acidic. In either case, if soils are above 6.5 or below 5.0, the nutrients needed for healthy chlorophyll production may be limited.
Your first step should be to conduct a soil test. Self-mailer soil test kits from the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab are available. The cost is $26. The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments. Be sure to tell them what kind of maple tree is planted in the area being tested, and let them know you removed a root (was it large?). The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments.
You can obtain a test kit at the link below, or you may be able to obtain one from your local garden center...however that one may not be a thorough.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension
Most chemical soil treatments for pH take some time to be effective and can be quite involved. If you find soil amendments may be necessary, you may wish to consult a certified arborist to assist with the diagnosis and advise re. the best way to proceed. Hiring a certified arborist will ensure that you are getting a knowledgeable and qualified tree specialist. You can find a certified arborist in your area here:
http://www.treesaregood.org/
Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.
Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way.
