Maple decline in Quebec: a discussion of possible causes and the use of fertilizers to limit damage

Abstract

A sudden increase in dieback of sugar maple Acer saccharum has been measured in Quebec since 1982; heaviest mortality corresponds with locations where severe insect attacks, seasonal climatic extremes, low soil nutrient status and marginal sites for maple and the highest fallouts of wet acid sulfate and nitrate occur. Fertilization is an effective means of increasing the health and vigour of maples aiding them in overcoming stresses from natural and anthropogenic sources. -from Authors