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There are several Norway Maples in our neighborhood. Most of them were planted back in the 1920's and 30's, though some are from the 70's and 80's.
Two years ago, a old, large Norway Maple next door developed a crack in it's bark on the main trunk (we don't know if it was from lightening, or something else). Over the next year, some of the bark fell off. 1/3 of the tree died and was pruned off. This past year, the rest of the tree died and was removed. You could tell which part was dying by watching the leaves brown up early in the year, then just hang on the tree instead of falling off in autumn.
This summer we had a drought. I am noticing now that two younger Norway Maple trees in another yard have not done well this year. Some of the leaves died early (September-ish), and still remain on the tree now, in January. I have flower beds near and around -my- Norway Maples, so the trees got thoroughly watered weekly with the garden, to a good depth.
All the Norway Maples in my yard look great, turned the appropriate color at the appropriate time in autumn, and are now bare. However, I'm concerned, as I have been hearing about a virus/wilt that is attacking Norway Maples. I will, of course, watch these two younger trees next Spring to see how they do, but I'm wondering if there is anything I can do (or shouldn't do) to MY Norway Maples, which are still healthy?
They could use some pruning, but I'm unsure whether this will stress them or not. If I have the pruning done now, while they're dormant, will it help strengthen the trees, or stress them? Should I fertilize them in the Spring?
I'm also hearing about an innoculation that is available. Is it worth innoculating healthy trees if the virus/wilt is known to be in the neighborhood? Or should I just start my grieving early, knowing I'll lose my trees, too?
Sorry for all the questions! As you can tell, my two old Norway Maples are near and dear to my heart, and I'd hate to lose them.
Thanks for any and all advice,
Karyn