Is my tree dyeing?

Question: My 35 year old Silver Maple has had several branches die. When I cut out the dead parts, I discovered bug holes and a moldy looking spot in the sap wood, brown spots on the leaves and what I think is a bleeding canker on the trunk. Can my tree be saved, or am I in a loosing battle? Any help, suggestions or direction would be greatly appreciated. 
Dean

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 20, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Dean, Would you mind sending me a photo of the whole tree? Can you tell me when you noticed the dieback? Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 3:31 PM EDT
response: The dieback started a few years ago. I also realized it hasn't produced any seeds for several years. Photos are attached. Dean   From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, July 20, 2023 1:14 PMTo: Dean GroffSubject: Re: Is my tree dyeing? (#0111378)

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 25, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Hi Dean, It's hard to know if the boring holes and the fungal growth you noticed caused the branch dieback, or if they were secondary to the branch dieback (there are many pests that take advantage of a declining or dead tree). Since you said the branches have been dead for several years, I'd be inclined to think that the boring holes and fungal growth were secondary. Since the dead branches have already been pruned back, I would now recommend monitoring the tree. If you notice progression in die-back or other symptoms, then I would bring a sample of the branch into a plant clinic (there is a CSU state plant clinic in Denver and a plant clinic at the Jefferson County extension office). The only treatment for cankers is to prune the canker/affected wood off, so if the canker is located on the trunk, you won't be able to do much asides from keeping the tree as healthy as possible (i.e., proper watering throughout the year) in order to promote its vigor. Unfortunately, your tree will likely be chronically stressed throughout its lifetime. The topping of the tree often leads to growth that is not structurally sound and may decrease the tree's vigor. Additionally, your tree appears to have iron chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves with green veins), which is a common issue faced by oaks. To treat iron chlorosis (and thus, relieve the yellowing color and potential subsequent leaf scorch), you'll need to add iron chelates (like EDDHMA, Miller’s Ferriplus, or EDDHA, Fe Sequestrene™ 138) every season or two. Here is some more information regarding iron chlorosis: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2121-iron-chlorosis-trees/. With all of that in mind, you might consider removing the tree altogether and planting with a tree that is more suitable for our climate and soils. However, if you value the tree and want to give it a chance, I would recommend monitoring and treating as indicated above. Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 8:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you Hania, I truly do appreciate your expertise and advise. I bought my house 31 years ago and the tree was mature even back then, so it is quite old and I would like to save it if possible. I'll give the iron a go and see what happens. Thanks again,Dean From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 11:40 AMTo: Dean GroffSubject: Re: Is my tree dyeing? (#0111378)