Red maple tree damage

Question: I planted an Acer rubrum several years ago. It's grown well, becoming a 2 caliber tree about 15 feet tall.  This winter it was badly damaged when a snag came down on and around it. Three of the larger branches were broken off and a long deep gash was left in the stem about 10' off the ground. The gash is about half the diameter of the stem. I'm inclined to cut the top of the tree off about 16" below the gash just above a nice side branch in hopes that the branch will become the new leader of the tree. Can someone please comment on this action and make a recommendation.

responder: Happy Gardening!   Replied March 23, 2023, 8:59 AM EDT
response: Jonathan, Assessing the winter damage first is key in determining whether or not your Acer rubrum can survive. While I appreciate the photos, I am unable to enhance or zoom in on them, so it is difficult for me to truly assess the damages. With that in mind, I am providing you with enough information to have you take the next steps.  I’m of the mind to prune just what’s required and then wait it out. I hate to lose a shrub, tree or perennial and I don’t mind waiting out the healing process. In this case, an Acer rubrum is certainly worth saving. I’m providing educational tips from the Texas A & M Extension. If you need further consult, reach out to a local Arborist. I’ve left contact information and resources below.   The message here is to not over prune the damaged limbs. Only cut out what is necessary. Pruning more than that will encourage pests and disease, which will cause the further decline of the tree. Here’s what Texas A & M has to say (edited):  • Since it appears the leader has been lost, saving the tree may have to be a judgment call. The tree may (or may not) live without its leader, but at best it would be a stunted or deformed version of the original. Be sure to prune out all damaged parts, and the tree should find a new leader to take over.  • If at least 50 percent of the tree’s crown (branches and leaves) are still intact - the tree has a good chance of survivability. Again, it may not look great, but it may survive. A tree with less than half of its branches remaining may not be able to produce enough foliage to nourish the tree through another season.  • The larger the wound is in relation to the size of the limb, the less likely it is to heal, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease and pests. A 2- to 3-inch wound on a 12-inch diameter limb will seal over with new bark within a couple of years.  • The remaining limbs will grow more vigorously as the tree tries to replace its missing foliage. Look to see if there are branches that can eventually fill out the tree’s appearance.  • Resist the temptation to prune too heavily. Remember that the tree will need all the foliage it can produce in order to make it through the next growing season. Remove only the damaged limbs, then wait and see what happens.  https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/red-maple  https://extension.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/indicator-species/red-maple-fact-sheet/  https://texashelp.tamu.edu/browse/by-type/naturally-occurring/severe-weather/trees/  Find a local arborist: www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist   Other resources attached: “How to Prune Trees” and “Trees are Good” (Young Trees)  Best of luck with your young Acer rubrum!

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 23, 2023, 10:36 AM EDT
response: Thank you for all the good advice, Judy. I didn't appreciate that the photos would be of so little help. I expected you would be able to zoom and see the damage. I believe it will be difficult for the leader to remain vigorous with the damage to the stem. At the wound site, the stem is about an inch in diameter and the wound is about six inches long and nearly half the diameter deep. Regardless, I'll see how the tree does this year and perhaps plant a new companion tree close by. Best regards, JonFrom: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>To: "Jonathan S Trefry" <<personal data hidden>>Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 8:59:47 AMSubject: Re: Red maple tree damage (#0093061)