1/29/17
What's wrong with my tree? Is it dead?
+15
In my effort to become a more well-rounded man I want to spend more time learning about the trees on my property this year. We have a lot of trees but I know little about them. I am very comfortable with my knowledge of grass, shrubs, plants, and flowers but trees....not so much. I am starting my new focus on the only tree that looks to be in danger. The tree in the images below still has its leaves from last season. I took these images today 1/29/17. I have tried to research the issue but since I'm really bad at identifying trees it's hard to tell what the problem is with this one tree. Anyone have any ideas based on the images?
Thank you!
1/29/17
May I sugest going to your local nursey.
Is it placed near street lights? Sometimes that pushes it into dormacy.
This looks like a purple maple like the one I have in my garden. It's normal for the tree to shed it's leaves in the winter in my climate, but this can be brought on early by a drought or by a very cold snap.
What is your location?
There are some types of trees that don't shed their old leaves until the new ones come on in spring. The new leaves push last season's leaves off. Wait until spring and perhaps everything will be fine. Hope so!
Cut off a small limb and take that and the pic to any nursery. May I suggest you make a file for trees. Make a note on how to care for them. It takes so many years for a tree to grow and it is sad that sometimes they have to be cut down (ouch) or they die. You may want to research what type of trees do best in your climate.
An early cold snap before a tree has a chance to go into dormancy will cause the leaves to just turn brown and typically not fall off. The tree should be OK, but I would also suggest taking a sample to your county extension agent for a professional opinion.
in general to know if any plant is dead - cut off a small piece of a branch. if it is dead the inside will be tan/yellow/brown and you can see it is fully dried out . if it is living it will be pale green and feel damp to the touch. if the first cut looks dead. cut a bit closer to the tree trunk and keep doing this until you find living tissue. your tree is not dead now or the leaves would have fallen off. these are last years leaves . there should be fat buds at the tip of every branch. a tree or a shrub or even a rose bush can have some dead branches but the overall is still alive.
Talk to your local county extension agent. They're a great resource. Or you could see if there is a Master Gardener in your area. They are often associated with local garden clubs or botanical gardens.
https://www.thetreecenter.com/purple-ghost-japanese-maple/
Can't get a good idea of leaf shape but this may be it.
Looks like a Japanese maple