Help with damaged Japanese Maple - Ask Extension
I have a a beautiful, old, big Japanese maple split in half at the trunk during the storm in February.
It is such a beautiful tree, I'm interested ...
Knowledgebase
Help with damaged Japanese Maple #929189
Asked April 22, 2026, 7:26 AM EDT
I have a a beautiful, old, big Japanese maple split in half at the trunk during the storm in February.
It is such a beautiful tree, I'm interested in paying someone to advise me and/or help me mend that crack.
Would you be available to swing by the property and take a look and provide me some advice?
And if not, could you refer me to an arborist who could?
Sussex County Delaware
Expert Response
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Ask Extension. When I saw your beautiful tree, I immediately reached out to our Extension agent here and shared the pictures. She immediately said,” they need to call a certified arborist” confirmed my initial thoughts. The angle of the tree’s crotch, or axile is quite narrow, making it vulnerable during the Hernando storm.
Extension cannot endorse one company or professional over another, however there are many in our area and some may come out and give you a free assessment on whether the tree could be saved.
Here is one website that will list certified arborists via ZIP Code. Another site to visit is the Delaware Nursery and Landscape Association who can offer a member directory for you.
I sympathize with your desire to save the tree. My own home in Sussex was hit hard, and I lost a beautiful, majestic 40’ Deodar Cedar due to the weight of the snow, and damage to many other mature trees. A certified arborist will be best to assess whether the two areas can be sealed back up again.
Good luck!
~Michele
Extension cannot endorse one company or professional over another, however there are many in our area and some may come out and give you a free assessment on whether the tree could be saved.
Here is one website that will list certified arborists via ZIP Code. Another site to visit is the Delaware Nursery and Landscape Association who can offer a member directory for you.
I sympathize with your desire to save the tree. My own home in Sussex was hit hard, and I lost a beautiful, majestic 40’ Deodar Cedar due to the weight of the snow, and damage to many other mature trees. A certified arborist will be best to assess whether the two areas can be sealed back up again.
Good luck!
~Michele
