Red Maple Health - Bark Peel

Racolle

Hello,

I have a red maple which has developed a peeling bark issue that I would like some advise on how to address...


The tree is at least 30+ years old and has never had any serious issues. The peeling bark is on the northwestern face of the trunk.



I peeled back some of the loosened bark and underneath had a soft pulp feel and appeared to be what looks like small boring holes. I saw a few tiny bugs, but no concentration of insects. Also I didn't see any dark blackened growth as described in other threads as a fungus.


In addition, this was an especially wet/cold winter in New England (USA) and there has been tremendous temperature variances the past month and a half.


So in my unprofessional opinion I have narrowed down the cause to either insects, fungus or weather!!! Does anyone have any advise?

Attached Thumbnails

 

Eric Frei

Likely the fungi and borers are secondary pathogens.

The open wound could have been caused by rapid expansion (freezing) or even mechanical injury.

Edges of wound seem to be callusing nicely, a good sign, occlusion likely in a season or three.

Spray eucalyptus oil onto the open wound face regularly, bugs hate that. Also apply a copper based fungicide to the open wound face yearly, only the heartwood though, not the new growing wood at the sides.

Keep up good soil health with organic fertilisers and mulch, keep tree happy and water when req'd.

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Brent Ferris

I agree with Eric. All good advice !

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