Question
QUESTION: Hello Jim: I live in Atlanta, GA and have an approximately 5 year old maple tree that has been damaged by male dog urine beginning 8 months ago when we moved into our house. I noticed peeling bark about a month ago, but the tree looked healthy otherwise. Then we got heavy rain on July 12 and in the next couple of days all the leaves were brown, wilted, and appear to be dead. Is it possible to save the tree now? Or is it too late? If so, what can I do? We have already put a fence around the base to keep the dogs away and they will not be allowed near it anymore. So I am not interested in any food items or products that will alter my dog's urine (i.e. tomato juice, apple cider vinegar, etc.) or dog repellent from a pet store. I've read so many different "remedies" that I'm terribly confused and would like some professional advice. I have photos of the tree and its peeling bark as well as what the tree looked like before the damage but I don't see how to attach them. Let me know if they would be helpful. I appreciate your time and assistance.

ANSWER: Hi Amber, I don't think the dogs had anything to do with what's happening to your tree.  The roots are well beyond where the urine is.  I believe the tree was already under stress from your drought conditions and the split bark makes me believe you had freeze damage this past April like many others across the South.  The tree will still leaf out and live off food stored in the roots and stems until midsummer when the food produced by the leaves is not getting to the roots because of the damaged trunk.  Then the tree goes backwards and I don't believe there is any chance of it surviving.  It might sprout off the roots below the trunk damage, but I believe the top is gone.  Wish I had better news!  Jim

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QUESTION: Hi Jim: Thanks so much for your answer, even if it wasn't good news.  One more question, we have a second maple tree with split bark (and no dog urine) that still has green leaves.  Is there anything we can do to save it since it's not so far gone?

Answer
Hi Amber, It's best to just monitor the split.  Don't cover it with anything and no pruning paint. If there are signs of sawdust or sap running that would indicate the presence of insects, spray a combination fungicide/insecticide in and around the split. Depending on how much damage has been done to the conductive tissue, it will heal on it's own or not.  Don't fertilize it but a root stimulator wouldn't hurt.  Don't let it become water stressed.  Jim