Maple Decline

Neight

Neight

Location
Ontario
Hello all, it’s been a while. I’m just looking for some insight on this declining maple (Norway, I think). This tree was growing just underneath the canopy of a dying ash tree that I removed. The client really wants this tree to survive so I figured I’d reach out on this forum looking for any information.
Any information or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Pictures added. It’s on the left. As mentioned above the ash has been removed.

IMG_8926.jpg

IMG_8925.jpg
IMG_8924.jpg
 
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Doesn't look like there is a lot of bark left...

There could be a host of reasons. Can it be saved? Honestly doesn't look hopeful.

Norway Maple Decline

Norway maple deterioration in urban areas is a major problem. An array of tree characteristics, site factors, climatic factors, and biotic factors are involved in the deterioration in a decline type syndrome.
auf.isa-arbor.com
 
Thanks for the reply with added article. Yes, I agree it might be on its last legs. The canopy is full at the moment, so I’m looking for potential solutions to prolong its life as long as I can. Also, it’s a small tree with not many targets around to damage, so it’s not really a hazard to anyone.

Anyone else have any recommendations or thoughts?

Thank you,


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trees have to outgrow disease and damage, anything you can do to promote growth? soil looks pretty solidly compacted right at the base of the tree. soil aeration, irrigation, fertilization, a nice big mulch ring to the dripline. know anyone with an air spade?
 
Bark looks sugar maple to me. If so they are more sensitive to soil compaction/poor ground conditions than Norway. Agree with ATH that the tree is pretty far gone. Especially for a landscape tree when a property owner wants their tree to have a good looking crown. Guessing that the original trunk damage was impact from construction equipment. Tough to turn around a long-term process like that.

Edit: the crown look is more Norway, interesting.

Black maple is not native to my area so I don't see it much, wondering if that's what it is.
-AJ
 
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Not suggesting this is what it is, but do yall have sooty bark disease out that way? The sudden death and soughing bark reminds me of that. It does lack the tell tail dusty black sooty
 
I haven’t been to Ontario but when I’ve visited Chicago (closer to you than yonder), most of their Norway maple street trees had bark flaking at the base. We had a bad year last year with verticillium wilt, of all the maples, they took the biggest hit. But that manifests as sudden crown dieback before bark flaking off. Not sure what was happening in Chicago.

Looks like the root flare on the bottom photo is rotten out. That tree is… yikes. When a tree has structural deficiencies at the base and still has all that crown weight, I usually recommend removal.
 
bobs yeruncle said:
trees have to outgrow disease and damage, anything you can do to promote growth? soil looks pretty solidly compacted right at the base of the tree. soil aeration, irrigation, fertilization, a nice big mulch ring to the dripline. know anyone with an air spade?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone with an air spade. I agree some TLC may buy them a bit more time.

Thanks for the response.


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evo said:
Not suggesting this is what it is, but do yall have sooty bark disease out that way? The sudden death and soughing bark reminds me of that. It does lack the tell tail dusty black sooty
Click to expand...

Apparently we do. Looks like I’ll be doing some research on that.

Thanks for the response.


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moss said:
Bark looks sugar maple to me. If so they are more sensitive to soil compaction/poor ground conditions than Norway. Agree with ATH that the tree is pretty far gone. Especially for a landscape tree when a property owner wants their tree to have a good looking crown. Guessing that the original trunk damage was impact from construction equipment. Tough to turn around a long-term process like that.

Edit: the crown look is more Norway, interesting.

Black maple is not native to my area so I don't see it much, wondering if that's what it is.
-AJ
Click to expand...

That’s what I originally thought, some mechanical damage.

Thanks for the response.


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Stumpsprouts said:
I haven’t been to Ontario but when I’ve visited Chicago (closer to you than yonder), most of their Norway maple street trees had bark flaking at the base. We had a bad year last year with verticillium wilt, of all the maples, they took the biggest hit. But that manifests as sudden crown dieback before bark flaking off. Not sure what was happening in Chicago.

Looks like the root flare on the bottom photo is rotten out. That tree is… yikes. When a tree has structural deficiencies at the base and still has all that crown weight, I usually recommend removal.
Click to expand...

The xylem still looked solid but for how long, who knows.

Thanks for the reply.


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