Help my old maple please

9 years ago

A bit of background; This just happened over the last few months. we gave it a very major trimming last fall because the branches were growing out of control and we had a few dead ones. This summer we have had record heat here in Salt Lake City, as you can see the leaves came out but we're stunted, and quickly wilted away. Is there anything I can do to save this 40 year old beauty?

Thanks in advance for any and all advise even if it's not what I want to hear.

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
I'm sorry to say I'm not sure your tree can be helped :-(

That is a major wound showing on the trunk and may be sign of internal issues, possibly heart rot. And the dried, wilted foliage is not a good sign at all - did that happen quite rapidly? It could be an indication of a fungal pathogen that affects the vascular system. And leaving those massive branch stubs probably didn't help whatever is going on - removing any branches should be done flush with the trunk or where they emerge from a larger branch....never leaving any visible stub, especially if they are dead wood. That is just an open invitation for insects and diseases to invade.

Without seeing the tree in person, I can't be any more specific about what might be going on. I would suggest you get a certified arborist in to examine the tree carefully and advise on any care.......but I strongly think they will encourage removal. Make sure you find someone who is associated with the ISA and is certified and bonded - there are lots of 'tree guys' out there but only ISA certified arborists really know their stuff.
caroline_sander thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
caroline_sander
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you so much for your input and advice about the specialist, I will contact one in my local area.
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toronado_3800
8 years ago
For future trees do a bit of googling about proper pruning cuts. The stubs should not be left.
caroline_sander thanked toronado_3800
caroline_sander
Original Author
8 years ago
By brother did it, I trusted him he said he knew what he was doing. Yes toronado_3800 I will definitely do next time, lesson learned the hard way.

I just want to add that I think I might be able to save this tree because, and it doesn't show in the photos, but the trunk was split in two shortly after it was planted. It stood there in the ground for years, neglected and abandoned, growing at a severely stunted rate, but it survived, (our climate here is hospitable). The half of the trunk not shown in the photos appears ok, no beetle holes or marks, no dead branches or peeling bark. My hope is simply that if the traumatized half is cut entirely off by a professional certified arborist, there might be enough strength left in it to survive.

I can post photos if interested.