I have two japanese maple trees approx. 30 years old. This year the larger of the two is fine, however the other not one leaf. The branches are a little dry, some breaking. I have lived here for seven years never seeing any indication of a problem. Is there anything I can do to stimulate this tree. Also I understand this is a acid loving tree should I feed these trees Hollytone.

Reply to post by Tim McAloon, on May 05, 2001 at 06:27:20:

Sounds like the tree is dying or dead. You cannot "feed the tree", it's leaves do that, and if it hasn't any leaves then it's doomed. It may have succumb due to a hundred reasons (email never gives you the opportunity to truely evaluate). It may flush late, so leave it a while and await the outcome.

Paul H.

Reply to post by Tim McAloon, on May 05, 2001 at 06:27:20:

Is the change truly sudden, or did you just not notice a decline which has suddenly accelerated?
Has anything changed near the poor tree (root damage, gophers, flooding, change of soil grade, bark damage, loss of shading)?
Do you spray herbicides in the area, or have you applied or spilled anything in the soil?
Are the trees near eachother?
Could you have a gas line running in the near vicinity (leaks can kill)?
Have you noticed loose or missing bark, especially around the trunk near ground level?
Has the tree been damaged by line trimmers, mower impact, or other girdling actions?
With a thirty year old tree, wait-and-see seems wise. If the tree has been suffering from lack of rainfall or regular irrigation, there may be a chance that a correction there may help. Keeping the ground temperature modified with a layer of mulch might help.
A first-hand local expert analysis may be your best bet, if the questions I raised don't give you a clue about where the basic problem lies.
Good luck.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on May 05, 2001 at 06:27:20:

I don't keep accurate enough records to cite the exact percentage, but I estimate that some 90% of all my similar calls on 30 year old Jap. Maples is girdling roots and/or planted too deep.

Lew

Reply to post by lewbloch, on May 05, 2001 at 14:35:37:

That's a good point. Do you often find there is anything that can be done at that point? It seems like an opportunity to learn something during removal/autopsy. I have done some surface level girdling root pruning of Japanese Zelkova and some maples; deeper root crown excavation and root pruning, not. Have you? And is there a good success rate?
...really wondering

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on May 05, 2001 at 17:40:46:

I have saved some trees by excavating and cutting the offending root(s), but sometimes it is too late as the girdling root is deeply imbedded. It is usually worth the effort to try, and to then fertilize and aerate the root zone.

Lew

Reply to post by lewbloch, on May 06, 2001 at 13:34:12:

Lew

How will fertiliser aid a tree under sever trauma/stress?

Regards

Paul H.