One of the best parts of summer? Relaxing beneath trees’ cool, shady canopy.
But if your Spartanburg tree has no leaves on one side, your favorite summer spot looks far less appealing.
Even worse, your Spartanburg tree is likely suffering.
What could be causing the lack of leaves?
Our reader, Jim, recently asked this question. “Half of one of my maple Spartanburg trees has leaves. The other half looks like it started, but then there is nothing. Is this normal due to a long winter? Is there a problem, or is the Spartanburg tree dying?”
Like Jim, you may be wondering why your Spartanburg tree is growing this way. Below we explore causes and solutions for Spartanburg trees not leafing out.
Only half of my maple Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg tree dieback include:
Reduced twig growth
Small, dead branches in the upper Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg trees to only have leaves on one side?
Consider what your Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg tree to suffer more injury. A weakened Spartanburg 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.
What are the solutions for a Spartanburg tree that does not leaf out?
Be sure to treat your Spartanburg trees with water, fertilizer and pruning as part of their plant health care program.
Dig deeper into the best solution for your Spartanburg tree by requesting a Spartanburg tree inspection. Your local arborist will pinpoint the specific cause of Spartanburg tree decline and recommend treatment.
