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This is an acer. It was here, and little, when we moved in in 1985. We think this is caused by the horrible cold we had last winter. It has, in that 25 year period, been colder once, but only for a couple of days. This time it lasted weeks.
Can it recover? And, if not, can i safely plant a young acer in its place?
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It looks pretty dead - the loss of bark will mean problems taking nutrients up to the branches. Almost looks as if the local wildlife has been chewing the trunk rather than a problem with the cold. Time for a fresh planting I think. Wonderful plants Acers...
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I the bark is on the other side, it should be ok. It is when it is ring barked which means broken all way round then it will die.
Aye Quine it should be fine .
As Harrier said there is still bark on the other side of the trunk so its good for a few more years yet .
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
Even if the tree is struggling, don't be too hasty to get rid of it. Standing dead wood is a really important part of a natural woodland environment and if it is safe to leave a standing dead tree, you should get the benefits of the many creatures that are drawn to it such as various beetles and cavity nesting birds.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
the bark could have been eaten by deer, or hit by lightning, I have seen some amazing ones in sherwood forest, one goes nearly full length of tree, not far off the majar oak, and it is still alive.
OK. I'll wait. But if it doesn't come, it's going. It's int he "pretty" bit of my garden. I'm doing a lot for beetles elsewhere.
I’ve had this happen to a few of my Acers. I’m guessing it was the cold which caused the problem. I’ve searched the internet and can find no reference to it. I lost two small ones when the dead part completely circled the trunk. I have one very large one which is hanging in there but the damage is getting worse.
To answer you question Quine, it will keep going as long as the trunk is not circled but it will never recover.
Build it and they will come.
We've also lost Acers in a similar way in the past, and last winter a Eucalyptus tree died; there seem to be loads of 'dead' Eucalyptus standing forlornly in gardens, though some are starting to sprout again at the base.
I wonder if it's down to the plants ability to withstand severe cold? If the cells don't have as much 'antifreeze' chemicals as other, more hardy ones, then the liquids will freeze and expand, and so burst the cell walls?