Maple still not budding out - Ask Extension
My previously robust Fall Fiesta Maple (planted about 8-10 years ago) does not have any buds on it. The ends of the branches are brown. In the past 2 ...
Knowledgebase
Maple still not budding out #931983
Asked May 17, 2026, 2:46 PM EDT
My previously robust Fall Fiesta Maple (planted about 8-10 years ago) does not have any buds on it. The ends of the branches are brown. In the past 2 weeks, sprouts have started coming out of the branches rather than the normal places on the small twigs. I'm sending a photo of the branch sprouts. What can I do? I am afraid it is suddenly dying. Also, about half of the brown leaves from last year are still hanging on, not falling off.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Unpredictable spring temperature swings, lack of winter snow cover, and extreme winter freeze-thaw cycles are causing severe bud dieback and delayed leafing in mid-aged landscape trees across Minnesota and may be the cause of your tree's decline. It's also possible that a fungal infection may be the cause or that roots circling the tree are choking off its food and water supply. Your tree is in critical shape and you may well want to contact an arborist to see if it can be saved. He or she can check the root flare to see if girdling roots are the cause and diagnose other conditions. For now, don't cut off the new buds and hydrate deeply every 10 - 14 days. Good luck with your tree.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDNR/bulletins/3f2b5ba
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDNR/bulletins/3f2b5ba
