Damage to Red Maple Tree - Large Spot of Decay - Ask Extension
I am attaching 3 pictures of the distressed spot on the tree. 2 of the 3 pictures are of the spot, the 3rd is of a bug which was crawling around in t...
Knowledgebase
Damage to Red Maple Tree - Large Spot of Decay #877805
Asked July 18, 2024, 2:39 PM EDT
I am attaching 3 pictures of the distressed spot on the tree. 2 of the 3 pictures are of the spot, the 3rd is of a bug which was crawling around in the spot (there were many bugs, this is just one of them). We would like to ascertain what the issue is, what the bug is, and is the tree still healthy.
Before these pictures were taken, there was ivy covering the trunk of the tree covering up the spot. Once I removed the ivy from the tree trunk, I discovered the spot.
Saginaw County Michigan
Expert Response
It appears your maple tree suffered a wound in the past that has been covered by the ivy vine and tree rot has occurred. Tree rot is a common problem in landscapes. It can compromise the health of the tree.
I am unable to diagnose the extent of the damage to your tree by looking at the pictures. The best thing to do at this point for diagnosing and treating your tree is to consult a certified arborist. An arborist is a certified and generally insured expert in trees and their problems. He or she can examine your tree and make recommendations regarding the health of the tree, any needed judicial pruning, and whether or not (in his opinion) it should be removed. 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.
I am unable to diagnose the extent of the damage to your tree by looking at the pictures. The best thing to do at this point for diagnosing and treating your tree is to consult a certified arborist. An arborist is a certified and generally insured expert in trees and their problems. He or she can examine your tree and make recommendations regarding the health of the tree, any needed judicial pruning, and whether or not (in his opinion) it should be removed. 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.
