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Maple tree longevity #923408

Asked January 07, 2026, 3:29 PM EST

Hi, we live in Grand Traverse County and just before Christmas a large section of a multi trunked maple tree of ours split off during 60 mph winds. I will send photos of the break and also the condition of the tree that remains. Thought on the future of our dear shade tree. It was transplanted to our yard by a large tree spade about 35 years ago. We love to do what we can to save it. Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks, Peg

Grand Traverse County Michigan

Expert Response

I would be fairly optimistic about it surviving, and continuing to grow, but certainly there are some concerns. Silver maples are known for having brittle bark, and do break often in high wind situations, but because of their excessive growth habits, they're tough and tend to recover. Although this is dependent on a lot of factors, such as a loss of a healthy, large limb, could send the tree into shock and decline. It may never be the same tree, or it may just ignore it and keep growing, it's not a certain thing, with there being a lot of predetermining factors.

What you could and should do, in the future, is inquire with a professional arborist about cabling and/or bracing systems for the tree. Such systems could help prevent such a loss to an important shade tree on your property. Also important is inquiring with that same arborist about decay fungi entering the tree. Such a wound could be an entry point for not only fungi, but bark beetles, and carpenter ants. In such a situation, the tree can become hazardous for anyone enjoying the yard, as it could begin to rot from the inside out, making it extremely subject to further breakage.

Here is a good site to locate a local arborist for at least a tree risk assessment: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist

Best of luck.

Thank you for your question!  Replied January 09, 2026, 4:48 PM EST

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