Drought-Stressed Maples and Cherries: Assessing Survival

In central NC drought, a 6-year-old maple and 2-year-old cherry dropped all leaves. The cherry snapped in two; the maple's branches snap. Other trees are fine. Owner asks if it's just heat.

Diagnosis

Likely drought-induced dormancy or death. Check maple by scraping bark on upper twigs: green = alive; brown = dead at that point. Work downward until green is found.

Action

• If green tissue exists: prune dead branches; tree should leaf out next spring.
• If no green anywhere: tree is dead; remove.
• Cherry that snapped is dead; remove.

Maples often defoliate early in drought but survive. Water deeply weekly if drought continues.