skip to main content

Red Maple puzzle

13 years ago

I have a Red Maple, Approx 1.5 inchs in Dia, planted last year. This Spring it appears that the top half of the tree is dead, but it is actively sprouting to a point about half-way up the trunk.

There is also a rather strong sprout coming from the tree roots.

Is it possible that a new tree is growing from the root? If so should I cut off the dead area on the original tree?
I know nothing about growing trees, so any ideas are welcome

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
13 years ago
Can you provide a photo? It is difficult to speculate what may be going on just by description.
Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
13 years ago
Highlander, your assessment is right on.

One thing to figure out is if your tree is a grafted cultivar.

If it is, any sprout from below the graft line will not be what you bought. Sprouts from above are.

Red maples are highly variable from seed. Not all have the fall color we think of.

Did yours have a name like "October Glory" or the like on the tag?
Related Professionals
Elizabeth City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Houston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Great Bend Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · New York City Landscape Contractors · Providence Landscape Contractors · Augusta Architects & Building Designers · Manhattan Architects & Building Designers · Wilmington Architects & Building Designers · Dubuque Architects & Building Designers · Mansfield Architects & Building Designers · Napa Architects & Building Designers · Fairbanks Architects & Building Designers · Edmonton Architects & Building Designers · Lagrange Architects & Building Designers

Related Stories

MATERIALS Woodipedia: Maple Is a Marvel Around the House

By Marci Crestani

A heavy hardwood with lots of potential, maple appeals to modern sensibilities and won't break your budget

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Great Design Tree: Japanese Maple

By Annie Thornton

Lacy form and fiery fall color make Japanese maple a welcome tree for garden or patio

TREES 11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form

With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting

TREES Great Design Plant: Coral Bark Japanese Maple, a Winter Standout

By Paintbox Garden

Go for garden gusto during the chilly season with the fiery red stems of this unusual Japanese maple

GARDENING GUIDES 13 Japanese Maples for Shade

A surprising variety of these understory trees is waiting to make a statement in your shade garden

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Amazing Small Maple Trees

There's more to maples than syrup. Expand your maple milieu with any of these 5 small and unusual trees

GARDENING GUIDES 12 Japanese Maples for a Sunny Garden

The right maple in the right place shines in hot summer sun

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Vine Maple

Exciting year-round color and adaptability make this highly ornamental native small tree a top choice for home gardens

KITCHEN DESIGN 2012 Color Trends: Using Red in Your Kitchen and Bath

By Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC

Fiery hues bring high drama home

KITCHEN DESIGN Cooking With Color: When to Use Red in the Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Candy Apple Red, Red Licorice and more for your kitchen walls, cabinets or island? The color choices are as delicious as they sound

Sponsored

AIS Renovations

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio