Is my Maple sick? Or is it normal?

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Steve Delroy

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Hi, good people at Aboristsite!

We have a ~10-12 year old maple that might be sick. Can you see if you think it is, and what actions might be needed to help it.

At first blush it looks fine, lots of green and new shoot growth again this year (2-3 feet). The major growth is happening now (June), as usual.

However, a reasonable number of leaves have fallen, some that look healthy, and others that are not.

Some, still on the tree, are quite crispy and just disintegrate if crushed.

Finally, the bark is a bit spotty and there’s a lot of bursting/splits on the branches near the trunk.

I have photographs and videos of the key aspects above..please have a look:
 

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A few thoughts and observations.
Wounding on the upside of the limbs is from rodents drinking the spring time sap flow.
Trees will drop leaves, self thin their canopies as temps increase and or soil moisture decreases.
Very important to inspect the root collar for girdling. This disorder can be associated with leaf drop.
Finally soil test is warranted, your sugar maple should be a deeper shade of green.
 

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