Treatment for anthracnose on Norway maple

I have a 'Crimson King' Norway maple about 12 years old and 20-30 feet high. The last few years it's had what I've identified to be anthracnose. Those naked 6-8" at the ends of the branches and at the top of the tree are ugly.

Any suggestions as to treatment? I've heard that there's a product contained in a band that you put around the trunk? Has anyone tried it?

I had no idea it was a Norway Maple when I planted it (I know a lot more, now). No wonder not much will grow under it! Should I just rip it out and start over with a more eco-friendly tree?

Lesley

I'd take it down but that's just me.

Lesley:

I'm not going to offer a solution to your Acer platanoides difficulty.

You will get a chorus of answers, especially to your last sentence/question. If you are in the least bit interested in what happens off your property, I'd recommend "yes" because there are 10s if not 100s of other trees that will bring you years of satisfaction with no chance of producing pestiferous seedlings elsewhere.

And that you can grow other things beneath.

And that provide multiple seasons of interest, with flowering, fruiting, fall color, bark, form variations.

And that are less prone to disease/insect pressure.

You live in a fabulous part of the world that offers an incredible climate to grow an awesome array of plants; one visit to the National Arboretum vouches for that. Good luck with your decision; you may have gathered where I would fall in advice.

Thanks, all for the advice. VV, can you suggest a few replacement trees? Must be able to withstand strong winter winds (because of the location of our lot, we have a sort-of wind tunnel). Also, and this may be a bit unrealistic, something that grows relatively fast, if possible, and flowers. One of the magnolia, perhaps.

I have a ginko tree in back that's only been in the ground for a couple of years and I could probably move it without problems (I'd use professionals). They look a bit awkward, though, until they're mature. How about a redbud? I love the shape of the leaves.

Lesley

Oh, I thought of another couple of questions. I have a lovely colony of Euphorbia robbiae under that maple. Should I dig them up before ripping out the tree? How much mess does said ripping out make? Can I plant another tree in exactly the same spot?

I'd love to plant one of those enormous white crape myrtles there, but I don't think it would survive the winter winds?

Lesley

To minimize collateral damage and possibly lower your expense, have the tree taken out in winter when the underplantings are dormant, the soil is frozen, and the local arborists are looking for work. There are a billion and a half choices you could make for a replacement. Go find some you think you like and send us a short list for comment.

Guy S.

One of the area's premier native tree nursery is in Monkton, kiwigal. I forget the name, but will post it on here tomorrow. A trip to that place will confuse you unless you go with a list of parameters (20' tall, 20' wide, blooms, etc.) Monkton is right around the corner from you, sort of. Watch this space.

Thanks, Pete, I'll watch this space.

Atlantic Star Nursery is in Forest Hill...Sam Jones...very knowledgeable. All native.

Hi kiwigal. If I can get this out in a minute, it will still be today. Go to and see the online site. Pete

edited to try for the link again It is at http://www.heartwoodnurseryinc.com

This message was edited May 9, 2006 12:04 AM

PennPete...that is a great looking place...all wholesale however.

Not all wholesale. Appointments accepted for retail.

Oh Goody

PennPete, thanks for the info. I notice, though, that they have my very own Crimson King Norway maple in their inventory, so I guess you have to ask what's native and what's not.

Nancy, thanks for the heads-up on Atlantic Star nursery. I'll try to get up there this week. Know any good tree companies to drag out the maple and grind out the stump and roots? Thanks, Lesley

I'm working on DH, who loves the Crimson King. It does look beautiful; I'm working on the eco line of reasoning.