What's up with the Maple Trees?

[spud]

I was driving on route 118 in Vermont the other day and I noticed in the distance pockets of maple trees looking brown. The pockets were anywhere from 50-150 acres if I had to guess. Are the leaves still developing at that altitude? I'm thinking they are around 2000 feet of so. I also noticed the same thing while driving to Newport the other day on the Jay mountain road. Even from my house I am looking at one a pocket of brown colored maples towards Montgomery. I have never noticed this before. Does Dr. Tim or anyone know what this is.

Spud

[Profirefighter]

Forest tent caterpillar stripping the leaves off the trees.

[spud]

oh great. Once the leaves are gone there will be no sugar next season or does the tree die? There within five miles of me.

Spud

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

Most of the trees will survive unless the infestation lasts several years and defoliates the trees each year. Additional stress such as drought will also cause increased mortality. Weak trees will succumb. There will be less carbohydrate produced by the tree this year. Some re-foliation will occur after the worms pupate. (This has probably already occurred or will very shortly.) You should examine your trees this Fall and winter for egg masses in the topmost twigs. If dense enouh masses occur then you should aerial spray with Bt in early May next year. My Sugar Maples and Red Oaks are currently 90% defoliated. The Red Maples are not affected.

[DrTimPerkins]

Considerable more information available at http://fpr.vermont.gov/forest/forest_health Call VT FPR (if in Vermont) or Mark Isselhardt (UVM Maple Extension here at PMRC) if you have other questions.

[johnpma]

Traveling down I-395 in Connecticut it looks like the trees have lost all their cover...........disgusting!!!

Are the states working together to eliminate these creatures??? I'm from Mass so I'm guessing before they kill them they would set up a state funded program to relocate them :lol:

[ennismaple]

Forest tent caterpillar stripping the leaves off the trees.

Likely the Eastern tent caterpillar. That's what's stripping trees all over eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

[lew]

We suffered through 5 years of severe deformation. It took 3 years of recovery to see a sugar content of 2 percent again, and that was only for the first couple of loads. Our average sugar content for the entire year is now between 1.3 and 1.2. I do not know what it was before the caterpillars, but I do know that we saw considerably more sugar.

[batsofbedlam]

Actually, it Gypsy Moth defoliation. It has devastated Eastern Connecticut the last 2 years. We have had some relief this year with the wet weather that has activated a fungus in the soil that is lethal to the caterpillars.
Most trees re-leaf if they are strong enough. I am really concerned about the Sugar Maples as they have been 75% defoliated and don't appear to be sending out new leaves. I think this is because instead of totally defoliating the tree, the caterpillars consume most but not all of the leaf, so the tree does not try to replace it.

[DrTimPerkins]

Actually, it Gypsy Moth defoliation.

Depends where you are. Some areas are gypsy moth, other areas are forest tent caterpillars.

[batsofbedlam]

The Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) was first brought to the U.S. (specifically, to Medford, MA) from France in 1869 by Etienne Leopold Trouvelot, who was interested in seeing if he could cultivate them for silk production. It wasn’t long before they escaped and started wreaking havoc on the trees of Massachusetts. They were first discovered in Stonington CT in July of 1905, and were present in all 169 Connecticut town by 1952.



If you live in Connecticut, you’ve likely encountered a Gypsy Moth. In fact, it’s very possible that you’ve suffered the impacts of an infestation on your property or a nearby park: defoliated or dead trees, caterpillars clinging to your clothes, and frass (caterpillar waste) falling from the trees into your hair, your coffee, or your picnic. You can go ahead and blame Etienne and his silk dreams for this.



So how did we fare this season? According to Brad, we still need some time to assess this years’ damage, but the spread of a virus (Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus, or NPV) and a fungus (Entomophaga maimaiga) that kills Gypsy Moths certainly did a number on the population. As rain helps to spread the fungus, the wet spring we had was a key factor in slowing the population growth this season. Anecdotally, attendees of Brad’s lecture reported seeing trees in their various towns covered with hundreds of dead Gypsy Moth caterpillars.



So when will have more definitive information on this years’ infestation? We’ll have to wait for the results of Connecticut’s Forest Aerial Survey, conducted each year from late June to early August. Though the survey originally focused on Gypsy Moth defoliation, it has expanded to include other types of forest damage, such as Emerald Ash borer and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.



During the presentation, Brad answered a number of questions regarding the control of Gypsy Moths, including some regarding the manual removal of egg masses from trees. Many participants were surprised to learn that scraping the egg masses off the trees isn’t enough - - they will still hatch! Putting egg masses in soapy water, or in a mix of oil and water works best for successfully killing the egg masses. For more information on control and natural predators of Gypsy Moths, visit the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Website: http://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=2826&Q=588414&PM=1

[GeneralStark]

Something to consider reducing the threat of defoliation by pests.

http://nsrcforest.org/project/more-tree-species-diversity-sugarbushes-reduces-maple-pest-levels

[Wanabe1972]

I have not had any defoliation but my question is why are the leaves changing colors and falling already. It seems to be a about a month or more early. Jeff

[Z/MAN]

I have not had any defoliation but my question is why are the leaves changing colors and falling already. It seems to be a about a month or more early. Jeff

I am seeing the same thing here on some of my trees. I also notice that the ones losing the leaves are covered in seeds to the point they look more brown than green.

[Ohio Maple Blaster]

I am seeing the same thing here on some of my trees. I also notice that the ones losing the leaves are covered in seeds to the point they look more brown than green.

I too have several trees that have leaves changing color early. Some small branches even started in June. I assumed they were diseased, and cut them off at the trunk. But now I'm looking around at a few trees that are half orange already.. what gives?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/2f8c0a6a5922daf8ab69883c39142abc.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170904/f01e4719d1f14cfd5d9e8b23b5e8ac6f.jpg

[heus]

I too have alot of mature sugars that look really bad in NE Ohio. I think a big seed year combined with below average rainfall has contributed to the leaf drop. I worry that there will be alot of branch dieback.

[maple maniac65]

Heavy seed crop here, plenty of water all summer. Leaves on some reds just dried up and curled then fell off three weeks ago. Rock maples are turning dull brown some orange but at least 3 weeks early.

[valleyman]

Same observed in southern CT. Havent seen any gypsies , only a few tents on an apple tree. Tons of seeds and early browning on leaves.

[Michael Greer]

With the start of a new season, I think we should re-visit this topic. Last summer(2017) our trees were still reacting to the drought of 2016. We had what tree people call a "mast year", with bumper crops of seeds and nuts on just about any kind of tree you could name. The sugar maples were covered with seeds/keys and in late summer they turned the trees golden as those keys matured. So much energy went into seed production that the leaves were only about half their normal size, and we know that the leaves make the sugar. Now that we're bringing in the sap, I'm testing at 2.5% sugar instead of the 3.5 % I've seen in past years. It's early yet, and I'll test my sap to see if it improves. Anyone else seeing lower sugar content?

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

Yes, but I was one of those here in SLC who had 90% defoliation from tent caterpillars. My test is 1.7, normally just above 2%. I do have about 40% soft maples that were not affected. Sap flow appears about normal.

[maple marc]

Michael, thanks for your input on this subject. Here is Ohio we had it bad last summer--small leaves with brown curled margins. Maybe 50% normal leaf canopy. People here are still debating what conditions led to it.....very wet 2017 spring after 2016 drought? But I think your idea of very heavy mast year makes sense. Yes, EVERY species went nuts (literally) in 2017. Hadn't made the connection. And yes, as I feared, our sugar is way down. Normal brix is 2.1-2.5. Currently I am measuring 1.6-1.8. Big bummer. Don't feel too bad about your 2.5!

[Michael Greer]

Here's a bit more. Now that we're at the middle of the season, I'm comparing numbers with the last couple years. Over the last two years I handled a bit over 4000 gallons of sap and made 120 to 125 gallons of syrup. This year I have cooked 4052 gallons of sap so far and have only 70 gallons of syrup to show for it. Low sugar percentages are doing a job on my wood-pile.

[Michael Greer]

Now some brighter news. Last summer saw decent rainfall around here, and this spring has been mild and fair (maybe a little late), but the new leaves on my trees are big and broad, and the trees look very well filled out. Let's cross our fingers that the weather allows the Maples to fully recover.

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

worms are back

[SeanD]

They are hatching out here, too. The caterpillars are very noticeably fewer here, though this year. Last year they were all over everything - the house, the cars, everything. This year I only see them here and there, so hopefully that damp period we had here last summer just as they were about to go into cocoons and the damp spring we are having now is nailing them. The next couple of weeks will tell.

[ennismaple]

Ours were back - but the low flying helicopter last Thursday took care of them! I know several producers who didn't spray last year and their sugar content was half of normal this spring.

[minehart gap]

I'm pretty much new to this, what worms or caterpillars and what are you spraying them with?

I'm not noticing any yet but I was not looking for them either.

[ennismaple]

Forest tent caterpillars

[markcasper]

In no way do I mean this to be a bad thing. I have never seen or heard of any insect infestation in Wisconsin. Is there something about the northeast that attracts them? I know they spray for gypsy moths in some areas of the state, but have never heard of any widespread problems like out east. I mean in the 80's it was the pear thrips and it seems like every other year there is gypsy moth, forest tent caterpillar, etc... Just wondering b/c I always thought it to be strange that it seems confined to out east. And now watch by me saying this I will get a tornado tonight..........

[DaveB]

In no way do I mean this to be a bad thing. I have never seen or heard of any insect infestation in Wisconsin. Is there something about the northeast that attracts them? I know they spray for gypsy moths in some areas of the state, but have never heard of any widespread problems like out east. I mean in the 80's it was the pear thrips and it seems like every other year there is gypsy moth, forest tent caterpillar, etc... Just wondering b/c I always thought it to be strange that it seems confined to out east. And now watch by me saying this I will get a tornado tonight..........

I think it has more to do with origin. The gypsy moth was originally released in Massachusetts and it's spread from there. It will eventually be in Wisconsin. We haven't had a problem since the 80s until last year but that was due to 2 dry years which prevented a fungus/virus combination from attacking them and they had a banner year in spots, like around me.

Tent caterpillars are different. They are naturally occurring and their range just must not include Wisconsin. They rarely wipe out huge areas like the gypsy moth.

[SeanD]

Sorry for the confusion. I'm talking about Gypsy moth caterpillars. Like DaveB said, we got spanked last year. While I am noticing a smaller amount of caterpillars hatching out this spring compared to last, there are more than a typical year - and I'm hearing the munching in the canopy at night. Last year when we finally had a good run of wet weather I could see the caterpillars dying right on the bark. I'm hopeful for more of the same now.

[Louie]

Spread rate map from 2003.
https://www.fs.fed.us/ne/morgantown/4557/gmoth/spread/

Looks like the latest from Wisconsin.
https://gypsymoth.wi.gov/

[markcasper]

Spread rate map from 2003.
https://www.fs.fed.us/ne/morgantown/4557/gmoth/spread/

Looks like the latest from Wisconsin.
https://gypsymoth.wi.gov/

Thanks for the map.....I have seen the traps they hang out near my house, in fact, someone has been hanging one up in the ditch adjacent to our farm for the last 10 years or so. Looks like we are a few counties west of any infestation yet.

[Michael Greer]

Here in northern New York we're in the middle of a multi year Forest Tent Caterpillar invasion. "Invasion" is the wrong word, as these critters are always here, but their population goes through huge swings and when it goes up, it goes WAY up and they eat up the forest for a year or two. There is a great article on our Public Radio website by a local forester.
https://blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org/allin/2018/06/02/a-horror-show-of-tent-caterpillars-at-a-woodlot-near-you/?_ga=2.78107924.1656324364.1527936349-455240687.1492819406

[ennismaple]

There are areas near us that are almost completely stripped of all leaves right now. I took a drive through the sugar bush and despite it being sprayed 2 weeks ago there is still a lot of damage. I see now why they say that these caterpillar invasions are good for the forest because there is definitely a lot more sunlight getting to the forest floor that normal.

[Revi]

Maples are in trouble, but then so are a lot of trees. It's hard to find completely healthy maples growing near roads. The salt is hard on them. We planted hybrids and they seem fine. They are called an Acer Freemani cross. Here in Central Maine any sugar maples that are near the roads were planted a long time ago.

[heus]

I too have alot of mature sugars that look really bad in NE Ohio. I think a big seed year combined with below average rainfall has contributed to the leaf drop. I worry that there will be alot of branch dieback.
A year later and yes there has been significant dieback on many of my sugars exposed to the sun. Same thing this year, my sugars that are in direct sunlight have leaves that are just turning brown and falling off, as opposed to going through their usual orange color change. Sugars in the woods seem to be pretty healthy this year, though.

[heus]

Maples are in trouble, but then so are a lot of trees. It's hard to find completely healthy maples growing near roads. The salt is hard on them. We planted hybrids and they seem fine. They are called an Acer Freemani cross. Here in Central Maine any sugar maples that are near the roads were planted a long time ago.
Its pretty much the end for any mature ash trees around me. The Emerald Ash Borer finally got to them.