AboutJim Hyland Expertise I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.
Experience 34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.
BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology Registered Forester Certified Pesticide Appicator
Question My father has 3 very large maple trees in his yard all of which seem to be dying. They are abt 35yrs old. Placed throughout his large yard.
They all once were really full of leaves, wonderful looking trees. Now, this yr they look terrible. Almost half the tree has no leaves and branches are just bare. So sad to look at.
There is a grey/green growth on all, but my dad thought it to be a harmless fungus growth.
Please note that a few yrs ago we had a huge ice storm here in Oct , when all the trees still had all there leaves.
However my dad said the trees started to look bla 2-3 summers ago.
My question is, is there hope for these trees? what is wrong with them, and will this spread to the other trees in his yard?
Thank you so much for your time.
Answer It sounds as if the ice storm damaged the trees and they might need a shot in the arm to regain their health. I would fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. If you apply the fertilize just before a good rain storm you will not need to water it in. This will increase the overall health of the root system and the tree.
