Stressed Maple with Frost Cracks, Anthracnose & Lost Limb

Your La Crosse maple shows classic sunscald/frost cracks on southwest and northeast trunks, bladder gall on lower leaves, and anthracnose (black leaf spots) higher up. The storm-snapped limb revealed blackened, possibly decayed wood.

Two-Pronged Approach

1. Boost vitality: Broadcast 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter before rain. Repeat next spring. Healthy roots and foliage resist decay and pests.
2. Protect wounds from borers: Spray crack areas with Merit (imidacloprid) or Onyx (bifenthrin). These systemics prevent borers from invading exposed wood.

Long-Term Reality

Decay fungi will eventually hollow the trunk—this is unstoppable. But a vigorous tree adds sound wood annually, buying decades. Remove loose bark carefully; don't cut into tight bark. Fertilize now and annually.