Anyone know if these are badly sick?

13 years ago

Can any of you identify these bark patches? Big deal or little deal?

I emailed these photos to the local Extension tree expert and his answer was, "get rid of the one tree, the others look healthy enough, don't worry about it." Well, the one tree has significant die-back, and two more trees are exhibiting the same irregularities in the bark, so it seems that there may be a connection among them and I am worrying whether they'll all die. I bought them at Lowe's and my one year for return is almost up, but I don't want to uproot a tree that could survive.

The top third of this October Glory has died. It budded this spring but never leafed out. http://tinyurl.com/3rye66p

There's no growth above this strange patch in the bark: http://tinyurl.com/3cfss2q The base of the trunk has the same look to it.

My other tree has similar patches: http://tinyurl.com/3majhlm Will it die soon as well?

My neighbor has two Autumn Blazes. One has a base exactly like the base shown above. The other looks like it has a different problem than mine: http://tinyurl.com/3spfsgv

Your insight's appreciated.

If these are ok, can you say if there's any tree food that would help them out?

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Comment (1)

IpmMan
13 years ago
When you say extension tree expert I wonder if this was the Cooperative extension service? I am surprised that they gave you so much information from these pictures, and did not ask for samples to be cultured. Though some of the damage in the pictures looks mechanical and no problem, some resemble cankers. I can't tell by these pictures. Also how are they planted? Are the root collars visible or are they buried too deep as are 90% or better of trees on landscapes? Anyway these do look like poor trees and you might be looking at getting that warranty from Lowes. And never ever fertilize a sick tree before you know the problem. Some diseases like a good fertilizing. Also never fertilize a newly planted tree for at least one full growing season, two is better.

Here is a link that might be useful: Some cankers of Maples
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