Red Maple

Michelle Powers
by Michelle Powers
We planted a Red Maple last year. It bloomed and seemed to do just fine. This spring things are different. The top is dead, but the entire trunk is sprouting leaves. Can anyone tell me what's going on and if there is a way to help this tree go back to normal? TIA.
  3 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jun 10, 2014
    The tree suffered winter die-back and is trying to grow back. If the top branches are truly dead (they are brittle and snap easily), prune back to see where you see live wood. Then strip the leaves from the lower half of the trunk and let it grow this season. You will probably have to do secretive pruning over time to regain the shape. Make sure it gets plenty of water so as not to add to its stress.
  • Leona G Leona G on Jun 10, 2014
    Follow what Douglas said but I would add to pull the mulch back from the trunk and if you don't get any rain, soak with a hose at least once a month through the summer. If you fertilize do it lightly and do NOT use a weed n feed. Good luck
  • Kathleen Mccarthy Kathleen Mccarthy on Jun 10, 2014
    prune back the dead,i think it will be fine .