Prognosis for Chlorotic Autumn Blaze Maple

Question: Autumn Blaze Maple with iron chlorosis, 12” diameter trunk, 10 or 12 years old, also has significant area of bark pullback on south side. We’ve read about possible treatments — injections, soil amendments, spray. Realistically, is anything likely to restore this tree to health in the long run? Or is it more likely to be an expensive, but losing battle? 

Thanks so much for your help!

responder: Jeff C, Master Gardener Volunteer Replied July 31, 2023, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Hello there and thank you for using Ask Extension.   You're asking the million dollar question.  Should one remove a tree or treat it?    The chlorosis does appear to be pretty bad.  I suspect it will drop its leaves early, correct?  I do see a collection of rocks around the base of the tree.  If you decide to keep the tree, those should be removed.  Those rocks are hurting the tree's roots.  Overall, the tree appears to be stressed and that can lead to other problems and an early death.    Treatment for iron chlorosis is highly variable.  Take a look at this in depth document on iron chlorosis.  Pages 223-4 through 223-7 describes the possible treatments.  This should answer your questions about the effectiveness of treatments.  If you decide to treat, it will be an ongoing investment.  https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/223.pdf  When deciding to remove a tree, one needs to think of the emotional value of the tree, the value it adds to ones property, and the value it adds to shading/cooling one's property.  Only you can determine those values.    If you do decide to remove the tree, here's a great document that rates different trees.  There are quite a few "A" list trees that you may find attractive.   https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/treereclist.pdf?_gl=1  I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2023, 12:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the thorough response! Do I understand correctly that if we decide to treat, we’ll probably have to continue to do so for the life of the tree?Also, to what extent does the area of missing bark reduce the chances of survival? It has an unhealed hole in there, too, which looks like an invitation to pests.I don’t remember if it lost leaves early last fall, but I wouldn’t be surprised.Thanks again! Your volunteer efforts are much appreciated.On Mon, Jul 31, 2023 at 2:59 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jeff C, Master Gardener Volunteer Replied August 01, 2023, 7:00 PM EDT
response: Hi there,   Upon closer inspection of the trunk, there are multiple holes.  The large one is strange, and I'm not sure what created that one.  But there are many other smaller ones below that.  Thanks for the good photo.    Stressed trees are more susceptible to attack from insects.  Looks like your maple is probably being attacked.  So in addition to treating for chlorosis (Yes, you'll probably have to treat it for the life of the tree), you may have to treat for an insect pest.  Unless you really love the tree, it may not be worth saving.    Sorry I missed all those holes that the first time.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
response: I think the big hole must be from someone trying implants for chlorosis as there are several others (now healed) equally spaced around the trunk. Anyway, sadly, I think we’ll give up on this poor tree and replace it with something more suitable for the area.Thanks again for all your help!DebOn Tue, Aug 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: