What a great site! My neighbor has a gorgeous mature Maple tree. Probably 40 years old. A good portion of the foliage has dropped off (this seems too early for our area). Also their are splits in the bark and other areas where the bark is sepearting from the tree ( see pics). It looks as though the tree has received adequate moisture. I would hate to see this beauty die. Please let me know if any of these symtoms look familiar. Thanks to all. Rick
It's very strange, it looks like is dying. Check the soil, my feel is that some sustance was dropped or spilled in the soil or was in contact with the tree's roots. Sort in this site for a thread related with some similar problem.
Pic 3 looks like the trunk may have been hit with something. Bark appears torn. Pic 2 + 4 also similar damage. Seems something may have been tied around the trunk at one time also.
hi this phto are after one hot summer? do you water? please send another pics of leaves and reply ..alex
Thanks for the replies. To recap: Nothing has come into contact with the soil. The tree has not been physically hit or damaged. This summer wasn't really too hot either. Rick
I thought you might be interested in reading this thread ("trunk splitting"): http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=32168&referrerid=21340 If is the same disease/cause, I think isn't good news for the maple, Sorry, Rick. Anyway, please sort in another threads inside the section: The Genus Acer (maples) forum, or better yet, ask or hire an ISA Certified Arborist. Nelson
Here is another thread, with pretty much similar case of bark splitting: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=1933&referrerid=21340