Scorch in Red Maple - Ask Extension
I live in Silver Spring, 20910. Over the past 3 weeks almost all of the leaves on our red maple have browned and many have fallen. The tree is well es...
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Scorch in Red Maple #880032
Asked August 03, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT
I live in Silver Spring, 20910. Over the past 3 weeks almost all of the leaves on our red maple have browned and many have fallen. The tree is well established in a sunny location ( gets 8 hrs / day in summer), about 15 inches in diameter on a sloping hill. It has been very hot and dry , but our other red Maple located in a similar sunny location about 30 feet away looks perfectly healthy.. I can see no bark damage. The tree is now 99% brown with just a few greenish brown leaves.and the process has been rapid over a 3 week period. We have been watering it this week, but fear it might be too late. I went to our local master gardener, but they strongly suggested I contact you. Thanks in advance.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Unfortunately, the complete brown out of the tree does not bode well for being able to recover.
There are likely several stressors and as they pile up you can get to a sort of tipping point, where it becomes overwhelming.
The prolonged high temperatures and concerning drought in much of central Maryland (both this year and last) is likely that tipping point.
Looking closer at your photo though it appears that maybe there was some disease or damage in the trunk area. These beautiful trees are also prone to girdling roots which over time can strangle the trunk. You can learn more about that here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/girdling-roots/
Another factor, which is sadly all too common, is when trees are either planted or mulched too deeply. A tree trunk should flare, or gently widen before going into the ground. It should not go in straight like a telephone pole. (For some reason even long time landscape professionals pile on mulch... and this can slowly kill trees over a long period of time. More on that here: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs099/
Christine
There are likely several stressors and as they pile up you can get to a sort of tipping point, where it becomes overwhelming.
The prolonged high temperatures and concerning drought in much of central Maryland (both this year and last) is likely that tipping point.
Looking closer at your photo though it appears that maybe there was some disease or damage in the trunk area. These beautiful trees are also prone to girdling roots which over time can strangle the trunk. You can learn more about that here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/girdling-roots/
Another factor, which is sadly all too common, is when trees are either planted or mulched too deeply. A tree trunk should flare, or gently widen before going into the ground. It should not go in straight like a telephone pole. (For some reason even long time landscape professionals pile on mulch... and this can slowly kill trees over a long period of time. More on that here: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs099/
Christine
Thanks for the prompt response.
you're welcome
