Is my tree dying?

DD265

I've been watching it waiting for leaves to appear from the buds and just noticed that one branch has leaves. I think it's an acer? I'm not sure whether the leaves should be that thin or whether it's another sign of an unhealthy tree. There's some lichen on it, and I spotted some aphids around the leaves - I've seen conflicting advice on whether to deal with these.

I'd like to keep it, but I'm not sure how to go about saving it?

Farway

Looking at the huge gash on lower trunk it looks like it has nearly been "ring barked". I would say it's a very sick tree


Is there bark on other side of gash or does it circle the trunk? In which case look out for a replacement.

Do you know what damaged the bark so it does not happen again?

DD265

Farway wrote: »

Looking at the huge gash on lower trunk it looks like it has nearly been "ring barked". I would say it's a very sick tree


Is there bark on other side of gash or does it circle the trunk? In which case look out for a replacement.

Do you know what damaged the bark so it does not happen again?

It doesn't go all the way around, photos below. I'm not sure what damaged it - we only bought the house a few months ago, and viewed it over winter when I don't remember there being any leaves on the tree.

Just doing a google of ring barking, and I'm going to guess machinery as a cause. It doesn't bode well though

Farway

DD265 wrote: »

It doesn't go all the way around, photos below. I'm not sure what damaged it - we only bought the house a few months ago, and viewed it over winter when I don't remember there being any leaves on the tree.

Just doing a google of ring barking, and I'm going to guess machinery as a cause. It doesn't bode well though

Photos not showing:(

DD265

Weird, I can see them so might be a permissions thing. Will pop them on a hosting site..

Davesnave

Looks like historic frost and physical strimmer damage to me. Ugly.


It will never be a decent tree now. Remedy: chain saw. Sorry!