Question
QUESTION: Hi Jim...we are upset....we planted 3 large sunset maples three years ago.  They've been doing great. They are about 25 feet tall but still slender.  Suddenly all the leaves got reddish and they shriveled and dried out.  One of the other trees is not as full as it usually is. Do you have any idea what this is and can we save this tree.  When we brought a branch to a local nursery they said the tree has been "slowly dying."  Please help!!

ANSWER: Sounds like it maybe something environmental. Have you used a weed and feed product on the lawn? This product contains a herbicide that will kill trees. Are the trees over a septic line that has been recently treated for clogs--these products can damage tree roots. Beyond that I do not have enough information to ID the problem. IF you are in the US you might call the local State Forestry agency and ask one of their Foresters to come take a look. Most of these agencies have an urban forester or pest control staff that can help by IDing the problem on the ground.

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QUESTION: Believe it or not it was termites, carpenter ants and spider mite infestation.  We have to get our entire grounds treated.  Does this mean I should have my 4 year old home inspected for termites also? Thanks so much for your reply!

Answer
For spider mites I would treat only where they are causing a problem on the foliage of the trees. For the termites yes have your house and other buildings inspected. Termites are natural in decaying wood so just because you have them in the decaying tree does not mean that they are in the house. Carpenter ants are the same they attack wood that is not painted so if you give them no wood to bore into they will go some place else.