Dying Maple Tree

Question

Are my maple trees dying? They have bark that is falling off. I have two maple trees that are about 3 to 5 years old and they now are showing some bark damage and look like they are slowly rotting away. I see a few more similar in my neighborhood, some are leaveless — one individual has a black plastic bag around the base (duck taped over the spots). Is there anything I can do to save/repair mine? I have attached a link to some pictures of the two trees. I didn’t notice the bark spot until this year and the leaves are starting to brown as well. To veiw pictures just paste this link:

https://picasaweb. google.com/107731967818540907621/SicklyMapleTree?authkey=Gv1sRgCNWk8rzJ2rmaVg&feat=directlink

Thanks,
Mark

Answer 1

It looks like canker, but there are several kinds of canker it could be. This article outlines the most common:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/maple/maple-tree-bark-disease.htm

With most tree diseases, it is best to have a professional come and look at it as they can be difficult to diagnose without seeing the tree in person.