Question
I have a black leaf maple tree in my yard that is about 25 years old.  It has always been a beautiful lush tree but about three years ago it was not very lush and had branches that had only a few leaves.  I called a tree service and had the tree deep root fertilized.  the next year the same, if not less leaves.  I called an arborist who advised the tree was girdling. This was a term I was not familiar with, he advised me to cut the tree down.  I live in Buffalo New York and in October of 2006 we had a horrible snow/ice storm that destroyed many trees in the area.  In fact, almost half of the trees in Delaware Park were damaged but my tree withstood the storm.  The spring of 2007, the tree doesn't look good, very sparce leaves and some branches with no leaves.  I notice this year around the base of the tree the bark is loose.  Just in the last day or two, its been raining, I see small mushrooms around the base of the tree.  Does this mean there is decay?  I hate the thought of taking this tree down.  It is in the middle of a small city back yard.  It's on the south side in the rear of the house.  There are 6 foot wood privacy fences to the east and west of the tree.  I grow flowers in front of the fences.  My beautiful tree is now a mess and I have mushrooms in the lawn.  Help

Answer
Pat:

From your description, it would appear that the maple is declining.  Loose bark at the base, loss of vigor in the limbs, fewer leaves all indicate disease.  The mushrooms also seem to indicate dead roots, as the arborist said.  It is hard to lose a good tree, but it opens a new door also.

In your small yard, I would take it down early rather than waiting until it poses a threat from falling limbs.  Have the stump ground down, wait a year or so, and plant another tree nearby.

Take a look at thornless honeylocust, Shademaster, or another suited for your area.  They have small leaves, grow laterally and quickly without a trashy appearance.  You have the chance to plant a new tree and enjoy it.

Best wishes.