Delayed leafing of maple tree

Question: I live near Jackson, MI. I have lived here since 2004 and for the first time ever I am having delayed leafing from my maple tree which is located on the lake side of my house. It does not appear to have a fungus. All the leaves are a beautiful green without any marks on them.....they're just WAY smaller than every other tree around. I personally apply fertilizer throughout the year and I have an irrigation system as well.....so I have a hard time believing there's an issue with that.  I'm wondering if that deck is the issue HOWEVER there has always been a deck there (again, we have lived here since 2004) but we DID have it completely redone 3 years ago. That seating area around the trunk was created at the time and the deck also goes out to the left about 4-5 feet further than the original deck did.  It does not physically touch the trunk.....we keep the deck cut back to ensure this.....but it is very close to it.  I am in desperate need of someone to come out and make recommendations including deep root fertilization if needed.  I cannot lose this tree.  FYI my wife and I are both MSU alums.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2023, 4:30 PM EDT
response: Sometimes trees will produce smaller leaves because of issues that aren't easily apparent. They can be related to vascular diseases that restrict water and nutrients from reaching the leaves, damage to roots, over or under fertilization, girdling roots, or pest feeding in a hidden location. Girdling roots are especially common in maples planted in the landscape. This can cause issues over the years as the plant grows. Most established trees don't require fertilizer so we recommend getting a soil test before applying any as excessive fertilization can actually lead to other nutrient deficiencies.   I've included a link to find a certified arborist in your area. You will want them to come out and inspect the base of the tree, under the porch, for any damage. They may be able to remove the top layer of soil to see if there are any issues with roots that are near the surface or if there are issues with compaction or drainage. https://www.treesaregood.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 9:22 AM EDT
response: Any chance it's from Armillaria root rot? Keith On May 25, 2023, at 4:30 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 2:57 PM EDT
response: There are quite a few diseases, pests, and environmental factors that could lead to undersized leaves. I would recommend contacting an arborist to inspect the tree in person.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 5:03 PM EDT
response: I hired an arborist who after digging around the baseof the trunk said it has 2 girdled roots....3" and 4" in diameter that he has now removed. No Amarillo disease. Insists that the OLD deck caused this where there was a flower bed frame around the trunk that had hostas in it. Said the roots of the tree hit that frame and then turned around and started girldling. Insists the new deck had zero to do with it adding it's way above that area. Still says he will be socked if this saves the tree. Said to keep watering and if we notice an improvement within 2 weeks call him back and he'll do deep root fertilization at that time. Gives this a less than 15% chance of saving the tree unfortunately.  On May 25, 2023, at 4:30 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
response: I'm sorry to hear this. Hopefully your tree pulls through and if not don't hesitate to open a new question so that we can help you select a replacement.