Sonething is wrong with my maple

abcdelizabeth2012

11 years ago

I'm not exactly sure what kind of maple i have, but it was planted last year, it's about 6 feet tall. It's been doing great other than having black spots on the leaves. I looked out the window this morning and noticed it was laying on the ground. So of course i went out to look and it's not snapped, but it does have cankers

The top two pictures are the main trunk

this is a branch that comes off the main trunk at the ground

I'm very confused and worried, these spots are making my tree weak

this is my tree

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

11 years ago

The tree actually fell over? Can't see clearly enough to determine trunk/root flare and planting method but a young tree falling over for no apparent reason is not a good sign. Have you had an excessive amount of rain? And no, it takes a lot more than some leaf spot to weaken a tree.

Would suggest you clear out all the lawn, weeds or whatever else is surrounding the trunk and keep a clear area of at least an 18-24" radius around the trunk which can then be mulched. Grasses and weeds can compete with newly planted, young trees for both moisture and nutrients and delay proper root establishment and lawn grasses growing right up to the base of a tree create mowing/weed whacking issues that can harm the tree as well.

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Comments (8)

abcdelizabeth2012
Original Author
11 years ago
Okay, thank you so much. I spray painted around the injured areas and placed tape on it, and i have it tied up so its standing. We have had a lot of rain and it's been pretty windy. I'm going to mulch around it asap. I appreciate your input
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Remove the tape. And had you asked first, I would have advised against painting it as well. Tree wounds or bark issues need air to begin the healing/sealing process and tape or paint or sealer over the wound prevents oxygen from reaching the area and can seal in moisture leading to fungal issues.
magpiepix 5b/6a
11 years ago
It's very hard to tell from those photos, but it looks like there's a possibility that something chewed on the trunk, but then there wasn't enough air circulation and the areas around the damage are getting wet and infected. I would clear that area around the tree, as gardengal suggested, and wait for it to dry out. The tree needs air circulation, especially during periods of a lot of rain.
magpiepix 5b/6a
11 years ago
Also, are those green branches coming out from below the graft point (if there is one)? If so, you need to trim them off.
abcdelizabeth2012
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Okay, I'll take the tape off. I wish i wouldve know about the paint, i guess it's a lesson learned. I just hope it will survive. I did trim around the bottom of the tree. That branch with the green leaves does grow from the bottom it's pretty big, but i should cut it off?
Huggorm
11 years ago
Green foliage is a more efficient solar collector and will outgrow the red branches if you don't remove it
abcdelizabeth2012
Original Author
11 years ago
Okay, you can tell i don't know much about trees or plants. I appreciate your help. Now i just have to wait and see of it'll recover ☺