Red maple suddenly died?

11 years ago

I went out of town for 4 days for work and came home to find my beautiful red maple had suddenly and systemically died. It was only planted two years ago and has appeared healthy and growing for the past two years. It did not show any signs of stress, had fully and beautifully leafed in, and had just put out a healthy set of "propeller" seeds. It did not have any discolored or unhealthy leaves, did not have any branches die, and seemed perfectly happy. Four days later every leaf on the tree has wilted, curled up, dried up, and died uniformly all over the entire tree - every single leaf and propeller seed. I inspected the base and found that the bark was split up about 2-3 inches from the base and loose (was not like this a week ago). I pulled that bark back to see if there was any indication of what was causing it and found that the layer underneath the bark (phloem??) was misshapen in places and even appeared missing in some (see pictures). Can anyone tell me what happened to my tree? I want to replace it soon but need to know if there is a disease in the soil in that area first so it doesn't happen again. Thank you tree people!

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Comments (6)

whitepinemaple
11 years ago
it might look like you plant it too deep. you might plant maple flare or top root expose and level with the dirt. if not rot will eat away at the base. 2nd you might check the root if something eat at it.
Huggorm
11 years ago
You shouldn't plant the new tree that deep. The root flare must be visible just above the soil. But I cant tell if that is what killed this tree.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
That fast a decline would lead me to believe the tree was killed by Verticillium wilt. It can take down a mature maple overnight although it sometimes is a more lingering, slow process. But I know of no other cause that would result in that fast a death.

The VW is present in most soils, usually in an inactive state, but can be stimulated into life/activity by a susceptible species exhibiting stress. Certainly the deep planting - and I agree that was an issue with this tree - could lead to the stress, as could an unusually cold winter or repeated heavy rainfall, as much of the eastern half of the country has recently experienced.

If it is VW, you will NOT want to plant a susceptible species in that location. Take samples and photos into your local extension office for an accurate diagnosis. It does require a plant pathologist to confirm.
slyefox
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everyone! It was planted by the nursery I bought it from (for an absurdly high price). Hopefully they offer some kind of exchange since they were the one who planted it that deep. I will send soil samples to Cornell before I replant.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You need to send in samples from the tree. As stated, the pathogen is present in most soils anyway. But it is critical to determine if it infected the tree itself before contemplating replanting in that location. Cut off a reasonably sized branch as close to the base as you can manage.....something with about a 2" diameter. If too long to manage easily, cut off the outer portion and just take a good chunk of inner branch. And the same photos you provided here.
jean001a
11 years ago
OP wrote "I inspected the base and found that the bark was split up about 2-3
inches from the base and loose (was not like this a week ago)."

That damage was not new. It has been there for an extended period.