What's killing my Asian Maple?

RyanL

Hello fellow tree fans,

Our Asian maple is the prize of the neighborhood and I want to keep it beautiful. But about 2 years ago it started splitting near the base of the trunk, and I have no idea why. Can anyone please help me identify the cause?? (Bonus points if you can tell me what variety it is!)

Here are pictures of the tree, a new split, and a split that's about a year old:

RyanL

Here are couple more pictures: a larger split, then the largest and oldest (which started 2 or 3 years ago) and a picture of our tree in the fall.

Eric Frei

How long has that raised garden been there?

If the tree was filled up around it then it's slowly rotting away. If not then perhaps a large portion of roots were cut if in fact that was natural ground level. For the size of the tree the structure looks too new to me, so I think it has been filled up with soil.

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RyanL

Wow, thank you. I never would have thought of that! The tree is probably about 25 years old, and I rebuilt the retaining wall 3 years ago. I had to cut a couple of larger roots, and I may indeed have inadvertently raised the soil level at the same time.

Thank you VERY much for your advice - I'll scour all of those other threads for tips on what I can do now.

RyanL

Here are the before and after pictures of the retaining wall. The soil level is not drastically different, so I'll guess that I may have cut one too many main roots?

Attached Thumbnails

   

Eric Frei

That's enough to do it, and the age seems about right, a slow death with rot setting in so stability becomes an issue also.

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Victor Lindsay

Death from grade changes can be seen from 5 to 10 years. It's like putting a plastic bag over the trees lungs...no oxygen.

Brent Ferris

I agree. As little as 2 inches of settled topsoil will suffocate the tree roots, one foot will easily kill the tree. Additionally, you cut some of the larger roots to accommodate the stone work. Remove the stones and soil, fertilize with liquid seaweed, make sure it has plenty of water and cross your fingers, and meditate every day with the tree. You both might make it. Your tree looks like a Japanese maple, and they are more sensitive to changing soil conditions than some other (more robust) maples,.

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My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

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RyanL

Thanks again everyone. I really want to save this tree, so my plan is:

1. Remove the excess soil
2. Aerate around the tree (right?)
3. Fertilize with liquid seaweed
4. Sing encouraging songs to the tree daily

I really appreciate all your help, guys!

Brent Ferris

Be sure to aerate into the root zone ie 6 to 12" deep, and water well during hot weather. Most trees like an inch of water per week.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)