What is wrong with this tree?
I'm hoping that someone can help us decide what is wrong with this tree and what, if anything, we should do about it. We've had this tree in our yard since we moved here more than five years ago. It's a great looking tree from the street and has beautiful fall colors. I think it is a maple, but I am not sure.
Here is what the leaf looks like:
Here is our problem. Early this spring, I was suddenly struck with just how strange the trunk looked. It appears as if the trunk is shedding its outer bark. Taken to an extreme, of course, this will end up with the tree tipping over. This is right next to our driveway and, although it would not hit our house, falling on a car is a distinct possibility. It has weathered the summer storms well, but I am still concerned.
Any ideas? Is this a fallen tree just waiting to happen, or is there anything we can do? Could this possibly be normal?
Comments
Nice looking blog.
What city are you in, I'm in Neenah.
It is a Norway Maple.
My guess is that there is rot in the tree. How far advanced is impossible to tell from photos.
If the rot is not extensive, the tree may stay stable and be fine for some time, just don't park under it. :)
Honestly, it isn't that large of a tree, if it is really valuable to you then you should consider removal and replanting with a nice tree. If it is valuable to you and you want to try and save it, then you should have a ISA certified arborist out to evaluate the tree.
Norway maples are nice for the shade they give, but they are invasive and frequently have problems with girdled roots that kill them prematurely.
It might hang on for many years without doing anything for it.
Jamie
Posted by: Jamie Dolan | September 8, 2010 04:17 PM