Sick Maple - Ask Extension
We have a maple in our backyard that looks sick. It started loosing it's bark a few years ago and has worse in spots. We'd love to keep this tree inst...
Knowledgebase
Sick Maple #909304
Asked July 10, 2025, 4:40 PM EDT
We have a maple in our backyard that looks sick. It started loosing it's bark a few years ago and has worse in spots. We'd love to keep this tree instead of taking down and grinding the stump.
thank you.
Jackson County Michigan
Expert Response
The wound wood along the edges of this crack is an indication the tree has had this injury a long time.
There is also some evidence of rot inside the tree shown by your first picture.
The tree should be evaluated by a certified, professional arborist who has a “tree risk assessment” qualification.
The tree may be in danger of falling, or splitting, which could cause injury to persons or vehicles, buildings nearby.
The tree might be able to remain if some professional pruning would stabilize it— again, a certified arborist assessment will determine what pruning and other treatment may extend its life.
To find these type arborists, who have taken training and passed certification tests, you can search by zip code here — http://www.treesaregood.org
There is also some evidence of rot inside the tree shown by your first picture.
The tree should be evaluated by a certified, professional arborist who has a “tree risk assessment” qualification.
The tree may be in danger of falling, or splitting, which could cause injury to persons or vehicles, buildings nearby.
The tree might be able to remain if some professional pruning would stabilize it— again, a certified arborist assessment will determine what pruning and other treatment may extend its life.
To find these type arborists, who have taken training and passed certification tests, you can search by zip code here — http://www.treesaregood.org
