Knowledgebase
Sugar Maple #883193
Asked August 27, 2024, 1:04 PM EDT
Sherburne County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good Morning Kathy,
Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.
From viewing your photos, the tree does not look good. I believe you will need to remove and replace it. On your first photo, you can see the dark "included bark" where the tree split. This is a weak spot in the tree that could have been avoided with proper pruning when the tree was growing.
Here is a link about storm damage to trees: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/storm-damage-landscape-trees
This information states:
Inclusion of bark at branch unions is a common weak point in trees. Branch unions should have a rough, protruding branch bark ridge where the branches meet. Without this proper union, branches or leaders have a tendency to separate during storm situations.
Here is another link about proper pruning of trees: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
As they grow, you need to guide their growth with proper pruning.
Good Luck!