Trees keep dying

Question: Good afternoon, about 4 years ago I lost my first tree, over the last 3-4 years my largest shade tree started dying, and now I am losing yet another.  These all were within 20-30 yards of each other.  I am hoping someone can tell me what is going on.  These are in my yard, but I have both pine woods and hard woods all surrounding me, and I would rather not lose my 'forest'

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 12, 2023, 8:54 AM EDT
response: Hi Jacob, It's hard for me to tell from the pictures, are those red maples?  And it looks like they started to die at the tips of the upper branches, then spreads downward through the branches? If that is the case, this is likely a root issue.  And could have been happening slowly through time.  Some questions could help find an answer... Did you plant the trees? Were they all planted at or around the same time? Were they planted with a wire cage still around the roots? Is the root flare visible at the base of the trees? Or is there no taper just above the soil line and the tree looks like a telephone pole buried in the ground?  If you'd like to discuss, feel free to reach out to me directly and we can talk through possibilities.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 1:10 PM EDT
response: Julie,I do believe live they are Maples. They were here when I moved in and were healthy. I have no idea about the cages. One tree is much older, one that has already been removed is about the same age as the smaller pictured one. I work in agriculture and a coworker suggested to reach out to the extension. He had a forestry background, but is from Florida. I have attached additional photos, I hope they work. I appreciate any feedback. Thank you, JacobOn Wed, Jul 12, 2023, 8:54 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 21, 2023, 10:26 AM EDT
response: Hi Jacob, I'm guessing that the trees are experiencing root stress, which may have attracted bark beetles that may have introduced an ambrosia fungus. The beetles are not the cause in an of themselves, rather they take advantage of a tree that is stressed, and not able to ward off an attack. They introduce a fungus that can cause branches to decline, and eventually die.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/ambrosia_beetles_and_maples So, the roots are the real issue. The multiple stemmed trunk tree is planted too deep. Reason for the water sprouts at the base of the tree. The others may have been planted in a cage (do you have a metal detector?) or may have been planted in such a fashion as to cause girdling, or circling roots. It's hard to tell.   Try to limit root stress around the other trees by mowing in a back and forth, rather than circular, pattern and by mulching at the base. Mulch should be applied in a donut, rather than a volcano shape, with the mulch raked back from the trunk 2-3'. Or/And, if the trees are not watered on a regular basis please do so when there is no rain.   You may also wish to have someone come out to look at the trees? You can find a certified arborist to come out to take a look at the website below: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist  And, you may consider planting more trees! White oak, basswood, and many others would be suitable candidates for shade trees.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/choosing_native_trees_and_shrubs_for_your_michigan_landscape  I hope this helps.   Thank you, -Julie