| Hi, This is a beautiful tree planted in 1997. It is not a sparce maple,it is full and has florished with no problems until this season. I have watched the lowest branch die.....first the leaves at the tip go then it progress down the branch towards the trunk. Then a branch above it starts doing the same thing. I am watching branch number three start to do it and it is scaring me.....I love this tree!! I have looked for signs of bugs but do not see anything visible. I do have a Jane Magnolia nearby that ended up with "scale" this year. We are treating it with dormant oil. (I also sprayed the maple) I will be spraying that bush again this month and then again in the spring. I thought "scale" might be the culprit but do not see it on the maple. Is somthing happening in the ground with the root system? I realize it has been a very dry year. The dying branches are all on the lower west side. The rest of the tree looks good. The maple and magnolia are planted in a large rock-edged, kidney shaped, woodchipped area, one at each end with a huge rock in between. Any input you can give me would be greatly apprieciated! |
| rather than near the bottom. Essentially you are trying to play detective and seek out anything "different" that has happened or could have happened. At this point I would suggest making sure the tree is well watered this fall by rain or by the garden hose, enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not sopping wet beneath the mulch until the ground freezes. If the soil is dry, you might want to water deeply, wait a few hours, then dig down and see how effective the watering was or wasn't -- it can be surprising. Then dig down to see if and when you need to water again. (In cooler weather, you may not need to.) If the damage continues to spread, I would suggest you consult with your county extension or perhaps a professionally trained certified arborist who is familiar with fine ornamental specimen trees and see if they have any suggestions. Good luck with your tree. rather than near the bottom. Essentially you are trying to play detective and seek out anything "different" that has happened or could have happened. At this point I would suggest making sure the tree is well watered this fall by rain or by the garden hose, enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not sopping wet beneath the mulch until the ground freezes. If the soil is dry, you might want to water deeply, wait a few hours, then dig down and see how effective the watering was or wasn't -- it can be surprising. Then dig down to see if and when you need to water again. (In cooler weather, you may not need to.) If the damage continues to spread, I would suggest you consult with your county extension or perhaps a professionally trained certified arborist who is familiar with fine ornamental specimen trees and see if they have any suggestions. Good luck with your tree. |
