Time to replace Red Maple tree? - Ask Extension
Hello,
I had my Red Maple treated for girdling roots about 4 years ago. The group that did the treatment at the time thought they "caught it ...
Knowledgebase
Time to replace Red Maple tree? #878185
Asked July 21, 2024, 10:29 PM EDT
Hello,
I had my Red Maple treated for girdling roots about 4 years ago. The group that did the treatment at the time thought they "caught it early enough" but I have seen more and more of signs of stress each of the past 3 years.
The signs of stress I see are limited new growth, yellowing of leaves, and now even a few larger branches that do not have leaves at all.
Do you think it is time to remove this tree?
I've attached a few pictures that show some of the stress I mentioned above.
This tree is about 23 years old.
Thank you for your advice.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The older and more established a tree is, the less likely that treatment for SGRs will be successful. Furthermore, treating SGRs amounts to excavating around the trunk and cutting roots. This should be done by an experienced certified arborist. Larger roots, even if girdling, might supply a major part of a tree's nutrients. Sometimes the treatment requires repeated pruning of the SGRs over a period of several years.
I am saying all this because, according to you, your tree was treated for SGRs when it was 19 years old. So this was a problematic procedure, even if you used an experienced certified arborist.
I can't say whether to remove the tree or not. It might be a hazard tree, since it sits alongside a road. The original work may not have removed all the SGRs. Or, if the work was done incorrectly, there may have been damage to the tree's vascular system. In any case, you should have a certified arborist assess your tree:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
Here are some links to descriptions of SGRs and their treatment:
https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/stem-girdling-roots/
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/all-about-stem-girdling-roots
https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/050ca7df-1d29-40be-9def-756a0567a038
I am saying all this because, according to you, your tree was treated for SGRs when it was 19 years old. So this was a problematic procedure, even if you used an experienced certified arborist.
I can't say whether to remove the tree or not. It might be a hazard tree, since it sits alongside a road. The original work may not have removed all the SGRs. Or, if the work was done incorrectly, there may have been damage to the tree's vascular system. In any case, you should have a certified arborist assess your tree:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
Here are some links to descriptions of SGRs and their treatment:
https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/stem-girdling-roots/
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/all-about-stem-girdling-roots
https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/050ca7df-1d29-40be-9def-756a0567a038
Thank you for your feedback
Yes, this tree was treated by a certified group for SGRs. They did as you described above...excavation of the trunk and root system and carefully cutting the troublesome roots. At the time they said that the tree should be significantly larger than it was and that the SGRs were stunting the trees growth. I have no doubt that SGRs are what is slowly killing this tree. I think the amount of "yellow leaves" and "dead branches" has accelerated the last two years so my inclination is to have the tree removed.
At the time we had it treated the arborist said "hopefully we treated it just in time"...but as I have continued to see the tree's health decline the last two years I have my doubts.
I understand you cannot make a recommendation, but I'm hoping you can at least agree that the tree does not look healthy.
Thanks again!
As you say, I can't tell you what to do, but from your photos and from the history of the tree, your tree is not doing well and removing it would not be unreasonable.
Since your tree sits alongside a road, are you sure it is "your" tree and not the city's? This could save you the cost of removal and replanting.
If you replace it with another tree, please read the links I sent earlier which describe how to prevent SGRs.
Since your tree sits alongside a road, are you sure it is "your" tree and not the city's? This could save you the cost of removal and replanting.
If you replace it with another tree, please read the links I sent earlier which describe how to prevent SGRs.
Yes, this tree is on my property. I planted it myself about 24 years ago. Definitely learned a lesson on planting (I likely planted it too deep). I appreciate the guidance you shared regarding how to prevent SGRs. I have a Linden tree in my backyard that is experiencing SGRs, too. I did my best to treat it myself after carefully watching the crew do the Maple tree. I was able to remove several smaller SGRs, but likely too late for that tree as well. I had the same arborist look at my Linden tree when they were out and he said "that tree will be dead in 7 years" and that was about 4 years ago :). So yes, the end is likely near for that Linden, too.
Thanks
