We have a coral bark maple that I have been struggling to keep alive for many years. Cutting back the dying stems (black stems - blight). Not one of the specimens that has been grafted onto hardier root stock. I am thinking that it is time to remove it. There is black on most of the stems and has progressed back to the main trunk. My question is? If this blight lives in the soil? Should I be careful as to what I replant in the site (other than another acer). Someone told me a long time ago that there was information as to recommendations of what to plant in such a case? Any advice would be welcomed.
Even if not in soil another specimen of same kind of tree might become infected in turn planted in same spot. Can't determine the prospects without knowing what, exactly is affecting the one there now.
Sounds like the dreaded verticillium. I have found that the coral barks appear to be more susceptible than most, for some reason unknown to me I would most definitely not plant another acer in the same spot, as the soil is likely contaminated
Can one of the much touted University Extensions detect Verticillium in the soil? That would be very useful; but in any case you've everything to gain and nothing to lose by having a (free) analysis done. (Sadly such services are not available to us on this side of the pond...) What you describe does sound like verticillium, as Sam says, but the Coral Barks are particularly susceptible to pseudomonas infection also. My sense is that many maples are delivered already infected with verticillium, so that it is not sure that another one will fall ill in the same spot. But opinions differ on the subject, and most agree that once present in the soil it's a really bad idea to try any A. palmatum. If you google "verticillium wilt resistant plants" you will come up with many lists, including this one: http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1998/3-13-1998/verticil.html Good luck, -E
Thank you so much for the info. Unfortunaltely, I do not have name for what is the problem. The tree has succum to this many times and I have just cut out the affected growth and burned it. Usually affected the laterals and never had a chance to get back to the main trunk. The blackening on the branches would start anywhere, not neccessarily at the tip of a branch. Although I do need to now what the problem is. I do believe that my efforts to save this specimen has reached an end. I will take this info. and research it and I do thank everyone for there feedback.
Hi for more info read FAQ in this forum, use search options Mr.Shep write many thread about this,in top page there is one good thread for bark problems. ciao
How about something better, like Stewartia? Chitalpa are interesting. May not be readily available in some areas. Many Little Gem Magnolia seem to be growing nicely. Vine maple is nice, but likely susceptible to the same problem that you have.
Thank You M.D. Vaden, My friends have two beautiful 'Stewartia's' and they are absolutely wonderful. I would not have though of them. I am going to look into it. There was a Nursery in Crofton that used to carry them.
I am in a similar position. I planted a sango kaku and beni kawa both of moderate size and in very different locations. The sango got deer ravaged (posted pics in another thread) but even elsewhere is covered in black spots. The beni kawa fared better but has one large area involved. Both plants I think would make it through this year, but I am getting the sense that it may be a question of dimishing returns with each winter- honestly tempted to pitch both plants. Interesting, at least here in st. louis, sango kaku make up probably at least a third of what is available at Home Depots, and come to think of it I don't see many mature trees about. I wonder if this is part of the reason why JMs get a reputation as finicky plants, with this undue representation?
