Red Maple Tornado Defoliation: Will It Recover?

Assessing a Maple After Tornado Leaf Strip

A red maple lost 1/3 to 1/2 of its leaves in a June tornado. A year later, half the canopy remains leafless. The owner asks if it can be saved.

Check Branch Viability

Scrape bark: green = alive; brown = dead at that point. Prune dead wood to the branch collar (¼ inch from trunk). No wound dressing.

Care Plan

• Water 1 inch weekly during dry spells.
• Full canopy recovery may take several years.
• Be patient—hardwoods can re-bud after severe defoliation.

If no sprouts appear in a month, remove the dead branches.