Maple Tree hole - Ask Extension
Greetings,
We have an older maple tree in the backyard. I'm not sure what species of maple. It was pruned by the previous owner over 10 years ago...
Knowledgebase
Maple Tree hole #881035
Asked August 11, 2024, 2:55 PM EDT
Greetings,
We have an older maple tree in the backyard. I'm not sure what species of maple. It was pruned by the previous owner over 10 years ago. The prune spot was until recently solid wood. Now it appears to be turning into a hole and the inside of the hole feels mushy. I'm wondering if I should try and clean out the mush, or if I should leave it or alternatively fill/seal the hole with something. The tree otherwise has healthy leaves and seems ok. I would prefer not to cut down or remove the tree. Pictures attached of the tree and the prune spot/hole. If arborist is needed, can you provide recommendation?
Thanks,
Nate
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
I would disagree with your assessment of the tree. It is not healthy, and, given its proximity to cars and structures, my view is that it is a hazard tree:
https://www.leg.mn.gov/docs/pre2003/other/930366.pdf
Based on the bark, I believe it is a silver maple. I can't be sure because I can't see leaves in the photo, but you can identify it because the leaves of silver maple are deeply lobed:
https://trees.umn.edu/silver-maple-acer-saccharium
Silver maples are very susceptible to poor architecture and multiple leaders, often leading to failure at these junctions. I suspect the previous arborist removed a third major branch at that pruning cut.
We don't make specific recommendations, but you should contact a certified arborist. Find a list here:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
https://www.leg.mn.gov/docs/pre2003/other/930366.pdf
Based on the bark, I believe it is a silver maple. I can't be sure because I can't see leaves in the photo, but you can identify it because the leaves of silver maple are deeply lobed:
https://trees.umn.edu/silver-maple-acer-saccharium
Silver maples are very susceptible to poor architecture and multiple leaders, often leading to failure at these junctions. I suspect the previous arborist removed a third major branch at that pruning cut.
We don't make specific recommendations, but you should contact a certified arborist. Find a list here:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
