Trees dying - any ideas?

TonyIN · Aug 9, 2012

Similar to the post the other day regarding the oak trees, I have been losing maples now for a couple years. All of them go the same - bark starts turning black and peeling, leaves start dying. Takes a season to maybe a year to fully go. When dead, its like they're almost fully seasoned firewood. Can cut and burn in the stove with minimal dry time, maybe a month. One that went this summer was about 8" in diameter and the old Ford with the loader (basically an 801) pushed it over like nothing - very little resistance. Roots were gone.
Its happening to all sizes of maples but no other species of tree. Hickory, oaks, ash, elm, etc. are all ok. I haven't been able to find any signs of bugs or bored holes.
We've had bad drought here in Indiana past couple years and I've just figured that was it. Just want to make sure. Figure someone on here would know.

Thanks

Tony

leej · Aug 9, 2012

Lightening struck and killed that tree. Possibly a month or two ago. ggp.

Nebraska Cowman · Aug 9, 2012

I'd vote for drought. I have Chinese Elms that die that way in dry years. They seem to die from the inside out. I can see yours did that as the outer looks like it was trying to heal itself beside the dead area.

TonyIN · Aug 9, 2012

Kind of looks a bit like it, but I can just about guarantee that wasn't lightning. I have about 10 more trees doing the same thing in varying stages. The tree in that pic is about 25 ft from the front door. We haven't had a good rain since April and I've been here for the storms we've had.

I've had trees hit by lighting around here and am familiar with the signs. I've been watching this tree die since last summer.

big fred · Aug 9, 2012

Check with your local extension office. They should know of any disease or insects that are affecting only one species.

If it's like the pine bark beetle that killed our pinyon pines by our California house, you need to cut down the tree and either chip the whole thing or burn it before the insects spread to other trees.

WJD · Aug 9, 2012

There is some kind of bore killing Ash trees. Your County Extension Agent will know details. The state of Illinois has signs advising people not to transport Ash firewood out of fear of this insect.
It is a huge problem if they wipe out the Ash tree population. Baseball bats and handles of nearly everything except striking (hammers, etc.) tools are made of Ash.

Mark - IN. · Aug 9, 2012

I'm in northern Indiana on the Michigan border. Drought this year up here, and I expect to see damage to show up next year. It wasn't dry up here last year though. It was dry a couple few years though, but not like this year. This year is going to be costly over the next couple of years to the oaks. Pushed right over like no or shallow roots? Gosh dang, I've got some maples too, but never seen what you describe and show. Thats pretty curious. I can see one thing though, your trees need thinning, just not the way youre getting it though. I'd be curious to see what a soil sample shows. I wonder if its caused by some sort of fungus?

Thats mighty curious looking. I've never seen anything like that. Certainly not on a maple. Keep us posted.

Mark

Mark - IN. · Aug 9, 2012

I was going to send this link to I.U. Bloomington, but they use Outlook Express, and I have never ever figured out how to set that up. They do have a landscaping deprtment that might have some ideas.

Again, good luck, keep us posted.

Mark

da.bees · Aug 9, 2012

I'm thinking drought.
I researched water requirments for pecan trees and was shocked to find how much water they require daily(X 7 and applied weekly or drip).
At 4 years old 8 gallons per day until temps exceed 95,then it doubles to 16. A mature pecan needs 150 to 300 gallons per day. Those amounts are are for idea growing condition but they made me realize how trees must suffer during weather like we are experienceing this summer. 108 degrees in N.Central Tx today.

Dennis (VA) · Aug 10, 2012

If you find out the cause and cure please post the answer. I have the same problem with a maple and drought is not the cause because it started last year.

TonyIN · Aug 10, 2012

I'll try that link.
Really hoping its drought. It's been happening to a lot of maples for a couple years and treatment is not a financial option unless its really reasonable... there's a lot of woods here.

I'm in the southeast part of Indiana and we finally got a little rain last night. Not enough to help, but I still think we are better off than some. I was up in South Whitley a month ago and things really looked bad up there.

Trees dying - any ideas?

TonyIN

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leej

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Nebraska Cowman

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TonyIN

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big fred

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WJD

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Mark - IN.

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Mark - IN.

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da.bees

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Dennis (VA)

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TonyIN

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