Maple Tree Chlorosis Treatment

[sallysensation]

I have a tree in my front yard that appears to have extreme chlorosis. I just learned that's likely what it is. I know very little about trees. It started out with a couple lower branches that appeared to be dead, and eventually spread to half the tree. See attached images.

The tree was planted about 15 years ago along with many others (some of the same species and some others) in the vicinity. None of the other trees seem to be exhibiting similar symptoms. The tree has been struggling a bit the past few years, but the bulk of the leaf loss occurred in the latter part of this summer. It seemed to happen rapidly. There have not been any changes to the landscaping or watering in that area in recent years. We have a sprinkler system that run regularly and the grass and surounding plants/flowers appear to be healthy. The soil has a lot of clay. This is an urban area. Old homes were torn down to rebuild on the lot where this tree was planted around 2003.

1. Is this tree even salvageable, or is it too far gone to save?
2. If it looks like it could be saved, what can I do to quickly stave of the Chlorosis?
3. What should I do long term to prevent Chlorosis?

Thanks!

 

[Raintree]

It's toast, not worth saving. Soil test before properly planting a replacement. This maple is improperly planted and most likely has a root collar disorder, the chlorosis is secondary. Mason activities during construction can negatively impact soil PH.

 

[sallysensation]

That's another thing I didn't know to look for. Are you basing that on the fact that no root flare can be seen? It looks like it was planted too deep? If that's the case, then is the soil not likely the problem?

 

[ATH]

There is an indentation on the front of the trunk, isn't there? Did that out and see if there is a root wrapped around the trunk. I'm guessing so.

The reddish-brown color of the leaves of the 6th picture isn't typical of nutrient deficiency, but rather water problems - that pic makes me wonder if it isn't verticillium?

Also, this is Sugar maple..less common to have pH-related chlorosis than Red maple. Not saying it isn't...but that Red maple is worse.

That tree is likely toast, but getting answers now can help select the new tree better.

 

[jefflovstrom]

I agree, I would just remove it and start over,,
Jeff
It was a beautiful day!

 

[sallysensation]

Thanks! I dug down a little bit. There were some small roots coming off the trunk in that indentation. I have no idea what is normal and what is not. The brown leaves came on suddenly during an unusually cold end of summer. In fact the dying branches came on suddenly in recent months. It seems to struggle a bit on the lower branches in the summer but bounces back in the spring. The condition it's in now came on fast and is new. The strange thing is, there have been no obvious changes in conditions. It gets some regular watering from the sprinkler system. the weather can been pretty normal. Nearby trees, including the same exact species, planted at the same time, by the same people are doing great. I'm ok with starting over. I just want to make sure it's not going to happen again.

 

[ATH]

Stem girdling roots can certainly kill a tree and it is not uncommon to look like they aren't getting enough (water or nutrients) from the roots...because they are not.

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden...g root circles,leaves from reaching the roots.