Maple Tree In Full Color

Question: Located in Burnsville. My large 25 + year maple tree has turned color and dropping leaves. This started about mid-July and is now full color. My maple on the other side of the yard is unaffected.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 11, 2024, 11:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. Please send me a couple more pictures.  One of the base of this tree where it enters the ground.  One looking at the tree from the opposite side of the tree. One looking into that split in the large offshoot on the left. (Incidentally, I am very impressed with the canopy thinning on the left on that offshoot.  I am not sure that the left offshoot is structurally sound.) I also worry about the possibility of heart rot entering the trunk of that tree from the split near the bottom. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/buffalo/Heart%20Rot%20in%20Trees%20November%2015%202014.pdf Maples on the same property can change color at different times because of differences in soil, light, watering.  However in this case, I urge you to have an arborist evaluate the health and structural stability of this tree. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 11, 2024, 11:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I will get more photos.  I forgot about a crab apple that is also doing poorly. It started out fine but then started dropping leaves late June. It is pretty thin now. I will get a couple of photos of it.  Thank you again.    Michael Johnson Sent from Smartphone.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2024 10:11:44 PM To: Michael Johnson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Maple Tree In Full Color (#0151009)

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help. I have an arborist scheduled for mid-September, the earliest I could get someone. I will let you know what they have determined.  In the mean time I have attached additional photos for your assessment.    Michael Johnson Sent from Smartphone.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2024 10:11:44 PM To: Michael Johnson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Maple Tree In Full Color (#0151009)

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Hello. I sent additional photos earlier but did not add comments.  You mentioned lack of canopy on the left side. It was filled in the first part of the summer but then started dropping leaves. Now is seems to be losing less leaves but has become very colorful.  I have noticed some non-maple trees around me yellowing and dropping leaves, but not aggressively. There is a maple in the next yard that had completely turned but not dropping many leaves. I have attached a photo of that tree.  My arborist is scheduled 6 weeks out. I would like to do something to help the tree now but I don't know what, and if it would make a difference this year. You you recommend iron, nitrogen, something ? Thank you.        Michael Johnson Sent from Smartphone.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2024 10:11:44 PM To: Michael Johnson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Maple Tree In Full Color (#0151009)

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 12, 2024, 2:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back. There is severe injury extending into the center of this tree. I do not know of any way to save this tree.  Please consult another arborist to get on the schedule earlier if possible.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 7:42 PM EDT
response: Hello I just wanted to update you after a visit from an arborist.  You were correct, the tree is in distress and will be coming down this fall. The arborist noted a failing vascular system as well as peling back on one side. He wasn't quite as concerned with the split on the left limb. It does compromise the integrity but could be fine for a number of years. It is the failing vascular system that is ending the trees life.    Thank you again for your help. It was your advice that prompted me to have the tree checked.    Michael Johnson Sent from Smartphone.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, August 12, 2024 1:19:07 PM To: Michael Johnson  Subject: Re: Maple Tree In Full Color (#0151009)