Is this tree dying?

Amber
by Amber

I have been told by a few people that the tree is dying (because of the spots)but now I had a group of master Gardener’s in my area come look at it and they said no it’s how it’s supposed to look but couldn’t think of the type of tree it is- they said it’s definitely not a maple though which is what others have told me- I’m trying to decide if I need to have it cut down but with all the conflicting information it’s confusing.

  10 answers
  • Gerri Haumschild Gerri Haumschild on Feb 12, 2019

    does it have new growth? that's a sign it's alive.

  • Gk Gk on Feb 12, 2019

    You should be able to identify your tree by it's leaves. Looks like a lichen growth. Normally doesn't hurt the tree.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.html

  • Well I find it odd that the Master Gardeners did not know what type of tree it is. I would wait until spring until it sprouts its leaves. Then call in a certified arborist to make that determination.

    • See 1 previous
    • Amber Amber on Feb 13, 2019

      Arborist has quickly identified the tree as an ash tree and it’s alive and healthy

  • Twyla J Boyer Twyla J Boyer on Feb 12, 2019

    Trust the Master Gardeners. They go through quite a rigorous program to become Master Gardeners. They usually know what they are talking about.


    And watch the tree in the spring. If some limbs do not get leaves, have those cut off. If many limbs do not get leaves, have it checked by a tree company.

  • Rosie Rosie on Feb 12, 2019

    I called an Arborist for our Persian Walnut problems, we are 10 minutes from St. Louis in Waterloo, IL. The MO Botanical Master Gardner program is great but, the Arborist is better for us. I think the problem determines which person to call.

  • Oberlinmom Oberlinmom on Feb 12, 2019

    It's pretty tough to tell a tree by it's bark and growth habit alone. The patches on the bark are lichen they don't hurt the tree. The way the Master Gardeners could possibly tell your tree is still alive is by the buds, if the are healthy looking and not shriveled or dry. Or if they took a small branch and tested to see if it was green/alive under the bark. I'd believe the Master Gardeners if they told you it was alive. Why did you think it was dead? If it's just the moss and lichen growth that's very common. Especially if it's growing in a shaded area that might be damp.

    • Amber Amber on Feb 13, 2019

      The arborist took one look from far away and immediately identified it as an ash tree - he then examined it and said it’s very healthy

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Feb 12, 2019

    need a professional Certified Arborist. make sure they are certified they should determine what tree is,what the growth is and ways to save it,a good Arborist will try to save tree not just cut it down. Is the growth? all over tree? top of limbs,bottom of limbs, north side of tree only or all sides? from what I can tell all over?? what do the leaves on ground look like they(master gardeners) should have been able to tell by the fallen leaves where do you live? I sure hope it's ok trees are so important especially mature trees. Lichens & moss necessary too.The truth is that lichen and moss typically begin to grow on plants that are all ready experiencing poor health. So tree may need some xtra love. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants-and-fungi/lichens/ let us know what the prognosis is

    • Amber Amber on Feb 13, 2019

      It’s an ash tree! 😀

  • Marilyn Marilyn on Feb 12, 2019

    Your tree is fine. It's some type of fungus or mold caused by a lot of moisture. We live in Pa. And see this on a lot of our trees.

    • Amber Amber on Feb 13, 2019

      Def not fungus or mold ! It’s an ash tree! 😀

  • Janapp Janapp on Feb 13, 2019

    Definitely get an Arborist to look at it or your County Extension Agent; they are a wealth of information. You need to be sure you don't have Emerald Ash insects or any other "issue" that may shorten the life of your tree. Ash trees may react badly to a very wet season, that is another thing a local professional will talk to you about. Unusual that you Master Gardner was not more knowledgeable.

  • Joan Bazan Joan Bazan on Feb 13, 2019

    If you send a picture to your extension agent,they can tell you what the problem is. It depends on what kind of tree, where you live ect. I too am a master Gardener, but i could tell you what kind of tree, but it could be some kind of scab or insect, or just normal moisture.