Hard Maple Disease? Help! (photos)

[markstrait]

I've got a mature Hard Maple in the front yard that's looking a little funny. I'm not quite sure what may be ailing it. Possibly a fungus? (see photos below)

At the moment, I am planning to cut out the dead limbs and use pruning spray.

I am curious to identify what the issue might be, find out if the tree is salvageable, and learn what I can do for my tree. Any tips and advice are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[M.D. Vaden]

There could be a lot of factors or problems.

Fungus can merely be decay following damage from pesticide misuse. Etc., etc..

But to simplify the conversation, how long have you owned the property and tree? What kind of maintenance has occurred to it or the lawn around it in the past few years, or even 10 years?

When did you notice change, if applicable?

 

[Raintree]

In my area it's not uncommon to see mature Red maples in a similar condition. A side leader becoming dominate suppressing the central stem. The sap wood decay fungi is above the tight restricting crotch, original stem being pinched off. Eventually that central leader will die back & need to be pruned out. Use no pruning paint, tree structure will be the next issue to address, call a pro to help.

 

[treeseer]

In my area it's not uncommon to see mature Red maples in a similar condition. A side leader becoming dominate suppressing the central stem. The sap wood decay fungi is above the tight restricting crotch, original stem being pinched off. Eventually that central leader will die back & need to be pruned out. Use no pruning paint, tree structure will be the next issue to address, call a pro to help.

+1, good analysis. That's where the tree got lopped in the nursery, and no one ever sorted out the sprouts. Post pics after you get the dead out and maybe good structure can be restored.

 

[markstrait]

There could be a lot of factors or problems.

Fungus can merely be decay following damage from pesticide misuse. Etc., etc..

But to simplify the conversation, how long have you owned the property and tree? What kind of maintenance has occurred to it or the lawn around it in the past few years, or even 10 years?

When did you notice change, if applicable?

I've only owned the property since January of this year. I used to live across the street, and noticed the tree was sick about a year or two ago. City sewers went in during that time and the tree roots may have been cut while they dug sewer trenches.

In the past few years, we have had extreme drought conditions during the Summers.

The only maintenance I have provided to the lawn since move-in (Jan '14) has been Scott's Turf Builder Weed & Feed. Other than pruning/structure maintenance, my main concern is if the tree has been blighted by fungus, parasites, and/or insects, and if so, should I be doing something to supplement or chemically treat the tree?

I have two other hard maples that appear to be healthy, except there are black spots on the leaves. The pictured tree with the dead branches has no black spots on the leaves.

 

[treeseer]

Go light on the weed&feed; Scott's thinks maple = weed.

Consider doubling area around trunk--do you see roots in your lawn?

 

[Marine5068]

It may be a combination of all of the things you mentioned.
Do like others said...trim off dead branches...no more weed killer....make mulch area around base twice as large and fill with lots of mulch to help retain moisture....and talk to your tree....tell it you care and want it to survive....lol.
I never use weed n feed. It's poison and I don't believe in poisons in our environment.
I just keep the grass cut and a good fall fertilizer to help thicken up the grass, that keeps the weeds down.
My Maples can grow up to three feet a year. Of course regular pruning helps.