What kind of Maple is this

[swagler85]

This tree is at the new house, didn't realize it was in this bad of shape until the other day. Didn't look too close at the trees when we bought, mainly just the house and barn. But looks like its on the way out and only a few yards from the house. If it falls good chance it can take out the house. What do you think of tree condition and what kind is maple is this?

 

[DexterDay]

Bark looks way to thick to be Silver.

Sugar Maple.

 

[paul bunion]

A leaf might help if you can get to one. Otherwise, did you by chance notice if it dropped helicopters this spring, if so it is a red or (probably not) silver, if it seeds in the late summer then it is a sugar. If you have time and patience that is the easiest and fool proof way to id a sugar maple.

 

[swagler85]

Leaves are way up there, just bought it today so don't know about when it drops seeds or helicopters. It's a long straight trunk not like the silver maples around. My first guess was sugar but I'm not the greatest on trees I'm not familiar with. ,

 

[TreePointer]

Bark with long deep plates makes me think sugar maple. As noted, a leaf should confirm ID.

I've zoomed in with binoculars and even a rifle scope to see leaves. Maybe there are some other trees in the area with similar bark and low branches?

 

[bogydave]

I think sugar maple.
Looks a little sick with the dead limbs up top.
Center is probably getting punky.

A sick tree that big , close to the house would make some nice firewood. IMO

 

[Applesister]

Get a tree company with a bucket truck to thin out the dead limbs. Theres plenty of shade, seedlings and maple sap left in that ol girl.

 

[Jags]

Dunno Applesister. Once my maples started to do that, they were on the short list. I have three that are every bit as big as the OP's. Within 3 years of noticing this kind of behavior - one is completely dead and standing, and the other two broke off 20 ft into the air (and are sprouting new branches). Mine are silvers.

You can see in the far distance behind the wagon the dead standing:

 

[lukem]

Sugar maple. That tree is toast. The leader is dead...won't be too long before the rest of it is too (or at least an ugly mis-shapen mess waiting for the center to rot out an become dangerous).

 

[swagler85]

Yes I'm thinking it has an appointment with my Stihl and some wedges. Too close to my kids bedrooms to take a chance.

 

[DexterDay]

Need a hand? Give me a week notice and I'll try and keep that weekend clear?

 

[TreePointer]

Be careful with that one. Could be punky in the trunk with lots of widowmakers up top. Good luck!

 

[Jags]

Fair warning. It is not uncommon for a tree like that to be hollow for several feet at the base. Use caution.

(Great minds???)

 

[TreePointer]

(Great minds???)

I'm rarely accused of that, but I'll take it.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Ya Sean, be careful but get that hard maple down soon.

 

[swagler85]

I'll secure a line to it for security and wedge it down. Will be extra careful on this one.

 

[ScotO]

Leaves are way up there, just bought it today so don't know about when it drops seeds or helicopters. It's a long straight trunk not like the silver maples around. My first guess was sugar but I'm not the greatest on trees I'm not familiar with. ,

Sugar maples won't drop their helicopters til later in the summer....and they are much smaller than silver or Norway maple 'copters...

That is most definitely a sugar maple....