Why are so many mature silver maples dying around here? These trees are 30-50 years old, or older. The upper branches seem to die off first, then they start shooting out new growth from the lower part of the trunk, indicating that the roots are still sending up lots of water and nutrients. But eventually they start showing signs of decay/fungus and the bark falls off.

Is this normal in the lifespan of a tree, or are we being invaded by something?

Global warming has created the creeping silver maple fungus that has been caused by Trump's failed policies.

I cry for trees Wrote:
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> Why are so many mature silver maples dying around
> here? These trees are 30-50 years old, or older.
> The upper branches seem to die off first, then
> they start shooting out new growth from the lower
> part of the trunk, indicating that the roots are
> still sending up lots of water and nutrients. But
> eventually they start showing signs of
> decay/fungus and the bark falls off.
>
> Is this normal in the lifespan of a tree, or are
> we being invaded by something?

down here they are referred to as "swamp maple", "silver maple" is a yankee term. most in NOVA were actually planted by landscapers during the post WWII development boom. as lots get smaller, other species have become preferable such as the smaller Japanese maple. there is no blight or crisis, its just fallen out of favor here. Fairfax isnt really in the natural range although we are fairly close so transplants do well

There are various maladies that would cause a maple tree to begin dying in the top. Most often, this symptom is the result of a root problem. This could be the result of nearby construction, a change in grade, soil compaction in the root zone, too much water, too little water, etc. Simply wait for the tree to re-foliate in the spring.
If you can rule out all of these factors, you should look at the trunk of the tree carefully for any unusual wounds or growths. If the leaves are unusually small or if the foliage is sparse, you may want to contact a certified arborist for an assessment. If the tree produces normal foliage but the crown remains bare, you should have any dead wood pruned out.

Arborist Wrote:
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> There are various maladies that would cause a
> maple tree to begin dying in the top. Most often,
> this symptom is the result of a root problem. This
> could be the result of nearby construction, a
> change in grade, soil compaction in the root zone,
> too much water, too little water, etc. Simply wait
> for the tree to re-foliate in the spring.
> If you can rule out all of these factors, you
> should look at the trunk of the tree carefully for
> any unusual wounds or growths. If the leaves are
> unusually small or if the foliage is sparse, you
> may want to contact a certified arborist for an
> assessment. If the tree produces normal foliage
> but the crown remains bare, you should have any
> dead wood pruned out.


wrong. they are reaching the end of their life span. no one is planting any more and all the seedlings just get mowed over. no blight, a certain degree of fungus is perfectly normal. thats all

Go to any of the many county parks with old growth hardwood. they havent been timbered in almost a century. you wont find any swamp maples. they are NOT indigenous to fairfax county. there are plenty of beech, hickory, walnut etc. that are all perfectly healthy. the only local species that have been compromised by blight here are american chestnut (extinct) and the southern river birch (plentiful domesticated, threatened in the wild)

chemtrailing

If it's only the tops affected, as a previous poster eluded to, it is probably girdling roots. Very common in maples.

Do silver maples give silver colored maple syrup?

shfffadh Wrote:
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> If it's only the tops affected, as a previous
> poster ...........ALLUDED....... to, it is probably girdling roots.
> Very common in maples.

youre a moron, I wouldnt let you pull dandelions in my backyard... Back in the 50's, when most swamp maples were planted in NOVA, they had plenty of room, not like the tiny yards the new mcmansions have... besides, girdling roots dont affect foliage, they can cause stability issues though. tent moths can cause permanent damage, even after the nests are long gone. or its just an old fucking tree, maples often rot from the top down. best advice is to cut those things down before they crash thru your roof.. the only tree thats more dangerous than a swamp maple is a bradford pear. so much damn sap in them fuckers, one good freeze and they split in half!

Tree of Knowledge Wrote:
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> Do silver maples give silver colored maple syrup?


no. swamp maple sap can be reduced to syrup but its of a lesser quality than sugar maples. and its not silver. there are some red maples around that may be a bit better if youre looking to start a sugar shack. better luck with that in the northcountry