1-2-Tree

Only half of my maple tree has leaves. Is this a sign of maple decline?

Reduced leaf growth is a sign of a declining maple tree.

Other symptoms of maple tree dieback include:

Reduced twig growth

Small, dead branches in the upper tree canopy in late spring or early summer

Dead, brittle or decaying roots

Fall colored maple leaves in July or August

Over time, larger and more visible dead branches will appear, causing crown dieback in maple trees.

What causes trees to only have leaves on one side?

Consider what your tree was exposed to before its lack of leaf growth: Harsh weather? Insufficient planting space? A nearby construction project?

If your pre-construction planning didn't account for the safety of your trees, they could suffer. Construction damage can cause soil compaction and/or root damage to the tree.

Sparse leaves are also linked to abnormally cold winter temperatures and soil moisture. For example, frozen soil and frigid winds could cause one side of the tree to suffer more injury. A weakened tree is also more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Another cause of canopy thinning is girdling roots—which wrap around other roots or the tree’s trunk and cut off the flow of water and nutrients. When nutrient uptake is compromised, you’ll see the effects in the tree’s canopy.

In some cases, your tree may actually be infected with a vascular wilt fungus, like Verticillium. This disease is most common in trees that were already stressed for other reasons. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but reducing stress on the tree may extend its life.

Healthy Tree Signs /
Unhealthy signs

Tree Trimming is important for the Health of your Tree -