Question
Hello,

We have five mature silver maples in our yard, one of which has several dead branches.
I didn't measure before I wrote this, but from memory its trunk is probably about 25" inches in diameter (at about waist high).

During the last two summers, mushrooms will spring up in the grass under the canopy of this tree. (we've only lived at this address for a couple years -- mushrooms may have been sprouting for a long time for all I know.) I haven't observed any other unusual symptoms. The other maples seem to be fine, but the one has obviously got a problem.

I know that Silver Maples aren't the most desirable trees, but I've seen a few that have grown much older than this one.

Any hope for it? What should I do?

Thanks,
Dale Crabtree
Indianapolis, Indiana

Answer
The trees problem could be almost anything from a disease, insect to root danage to just old age. It is hard to pin it down with out looking at the tree. I would sugest you contact the Indianapolis, Indiana Urban Forester and ask them to come take a look. Here is the contact information to their office and phone #.   http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Admin/Forestry/home.htm