A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems 24yr old Crimson King dying/dead

I have a Crimson King Maple Tree its about 24yrs ago its has been doing well until the middle of last year. All the leaves wilted off and there are no new buds it also had a crack in the bark half way up the tree and has white patches on the bark. I'm pretty sure it is dead but also wanted to know what others think. I have always loved this tree since my dad planted it when he built my house.

Welcome Kelly. If it has shown no signs of life, I agree it is probably dead. I am so sorry. Before replacing it, I would contact my local extension to try to track down what killed it. If it was some sort of soil born disease, it could kill off any replacements. An arborist can look at your tree and maybe tell you the most likely causes.

What a dissappointment I had this am when I went out to my green house and saw that my radishes which had come up recently were suffering. I think it was the "rolly pollies" I found. I know really technical term there, but not sure what they are really called. Those little crawly things that roll up and look like a spot of dirt when rolled up. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them? I did make up a solution of soap and Neem oil and sprayed the bed, but if anyone has any better ideas I am open to suggestions.

I doubt they killed your tree because they mostly eat rotting vegetation (dead tree) and sometimes they pick over new sprouts of plants but, if you want to get rid of them I use sulfer dust around new seedlings to keep them away, just a light coating.

Verticillium wilt and Girdling roots might be something to look at for the cause.

Use a little Diatomaceous earth around your plantings, Bobbi. But wash it off your hands and things because it is extremely drying. That is the thing to use for pill bugs (aka:roly poly).

thanks, Tina, I'm going to town today so I'll be able to pick some up....I think I like roly poly better!!!!