Q. We have an old, large maple tree in our yard. It does not have as many leaves as it used to. It appears to be slowly dying. Many years ago we put a raised rock bed around the tree and planted a few items. The dirt is about one foot high. Could that have been distressing the tree over the years? We plan to knock the rockery bed out and take the excess dirt away. We’ve also had woodpeckers creating sap drips and wondered if they were causing the problem. Do you think we can save the tree by taking the dirt away? Or is it too late? Thanks, Jan – Tacoma, WA
A. Yes I believe the raised bed around the tree is exactly why you are seeing a decline in the Maple. Changes in soil level above trees roots reduce oxygen levels for the root system effectively suffocating the tree. If the root surface area is large enough will completely kill a tree very quickly. If the tree still shows signs of life removing the excess dirt may allow the Maple to recover. The woodpeckers are likely a symptom and not the cause of the Maple tree’s decline.