Question
I have three maple trees that are atleast 60+ years old in my yard. One of the trees is not looking good, it's lost a good portion of it's lower bark and more is chipping off.It also has a ton of mushrooms growning around it's base and some light green fungus growing on the tree. It does have it's leaf buds starting but I'm worried about the tree's health. It is right next to my house and I don't want it falling. What do you think?
Stephanie Porta

Answer
Mushrooms growing on the ground around the tree are not a problem- even if they are growing from the trunk--this means the tree is more then likely hollow-which does not effect the overall health of the tree--it might weaken it to wind breakage. The green on the tree are lichens and do not harm the tree.
Treatment for declining urban maples includes watering, fertilizing, pruning dead branches, and reducing salt-laden spring water runoff over the roots. Thoroughly water trees every week or two during extended dry weather. Trees should be watered with a slow stream from a hose. Move the hose periodically to soak the entire soil area under the tree's branches to a depth of six or more inches. Fertilize trees with a complete fertilizer (13-13-13) in the spring and/or late fall. The general recommendation is 2 to 4 lbs fertilizer per inch of tree diameter (0.35 to 0.7 kg per cm of tree diameter at 1.5 m above ground). Broadcast the fertilizer over the surface of the ground. Some risk of burn on nearby turf may occur at the higher rates. Prune dead branches as well to possibly stimulate renewed, vigorous shoot growth. Pruning is best done in the early spring, prior to budbreak, to promote healing of the pruning cuts.