Tree advice

[PaulieD]

Six years ago, an old Air Force buddy of mine, planted and dedicated a young Autumn Gold maple tree to my recently deceased wife. For five years the tree grew and showed no signs of ill health; but a year ago fissures started to appear in the bark (see photos below). I'd be grateful if someone could tell me whether or not this a significant issue, and if so, how might I remediate the problem.

Thanks in advance for any advice or information you might be able to offer.

Paul D

 

[smstonypoint]

I can't offer any advice about the severity of the problem, but I would contact an arborist in your area. I am sure that the tree has a great deal of sentimental value to you and I wouldn't take any chances if I was in your shoes.

Steve

 

[Redlands Okie]

Not a tree expert. But i wonder if its been stuck by lighting ?

 

[EddieWalker]

Get a pro if you want to save it. The sooner the better. I've seen some crazy things done to save trees. Peeing on them being at the top of the list!!!

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Get a pro if you want to save it. The sooner the better. I've seen some crazy things done to save trees. Peeing on them being at the top of the list!!!

Then I have saved many trees! I'm a tree-hero and I didn't even know it.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Not completely sure which species of maple you have, but generally speaking most maples share many of the same problems. It looks as though your tree is healthy, but may be showing signs of frost damage caused by warm days of the bark warming up, and a freezing frost at night. Given that you are in upstate NY, this might be the cause. Normally a maple will survive this unless insects or disease attack the tree at the same time. Check with a local nurseryman or extension agent to confirm.

 

[RandyT]

this may give you some guidance

The Bark Is Splitting on My Autumn Blaze Maple Tree | Home Guides | SF Gate

 

[Coyote machine]

A lot going on with the tree. It's got a fair amount of Lichen growing and numerous fissures. Looks like something is attacking the bark and exposing it to the atmosphere. Can't tell from your pics, but it looks like near the base of the trunk the bark is 'frayed'? I can say that I have a LOT of Maples on my property and have lived on it for 35 years, and I'm recently noticing what seems like a LOT of stressed trees. Ones that have been healthy for many, many years, now seem to be failing for what reason(s) I can't pinpoint. I like you probably need to call in an expert on local tree issues.
I hope you are able to save your special tree...
Post us back with how things progress. Good luck.

 

[TomSeller]

Then I have saved many trees! I'm a tree-hero and I didn't even know it.

I have as well. Being partially raised by a German Shepherd, It is an urge I can't resist.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

When my boys were 1.5 and 3.5yrs old we went to Portland, OR. The first big city they had ever been to.

We were eating lunch at a "fountain park" area downtown and I turned around to find both of them with their pants around their ankles peeing on one of those sidewalk trees surrounded by a metal grate. There was quite a crowd watching in amusement/disgust.

I was mostly proud. Wife was mostly annoyed. :confused3:

 

[oosik]

At first I thought your pictures showed the beginning of what we call around here South West damage. South West damage is caused by the continual weather and wind coming out of the SW and starts by splitting the bark on that side of a tree.

I took a second and third look and now I don't that is the problem.

However, I do think its worth your time to have an arborist check out your tree. He can advise if corrective actions are necessary.

 

[oosik]

At first the pics looked vaguely like a condition we get here - South West damage. The bark on trees will become damaged and split because of the constant assault of wind, weather and storms coming out of the SW. However, after close examination - I don't think that is what it is.

Like the others have indicated - seek the advice of an arborist.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Here's my best advice:

International Society of Arboriculture

 

[fishheadbob]

I'm not a hardwoods specialist but I'm the best non-professional you're going to run into. I have 7000 Christmas trees and maybe 18 acres of hardwoods including a lot of sugar maple; I spend a lot of time in forest and trees; bought this place 38 years ago mostly because of the woods. Anyways, it's my opinion that your maple is fine and the bark splits are normal ageing.
Take a few pictures of your tree and contact either your county or state forester ( they exist ) and get their 2 cents. You can probably send the pics to their phone. Unlike the guy at the garden center or a consulting arborist, the government guys aren't selling anything, no commissions since your taxes have been paying their salary right along.

 

[bigtiller]

My maple trees split just like that. It started showing up when they were about 2" diameter. I guessed it was wind stress and did nothing about it, I have about a dozen. It never seemed to affect them in any way. The trees got bigger, about 12 to 15" now, and the splits are mostly gone.

I think fishheadbob has it figured out.

 

[PaulieD]

Thanks to everyone who shared their time, talent, and experience in their effort to answer my tree bark question. You guys are great. The link forwarded by RANDYT very accurately described the issue I am having with my tree, and gave me hope that the problem is not serious. fishheadbob and bigtiller's posts offered more supporting testimony that my tree is not threatened. I will contact a state forester, as fishheadbob suggests and see if they have anything else to add.
I will probably apply a commercial tree wrap (as suggested in RANDYT's advice link).

Thanks again to everyone!

Paul D