Problem with a Maple Tree? - Ask Extension
I live in southeastern Richfield, MN, and in July, 2021, I purchased an 'Acer, Freeman Maple "Autumn Blaze"' tree from Gertens and had them ...
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Problem with a Maple Tree? #926029
Asked March 14, 2026, 2:53 PM EDT
I live in southeastern Richfield, MN, and in July, 2021, I purchased an 'Acer, Freeman Maple "Autumn Blaze"' tree from Gertens and had them plant it. It has been doing wonderfully since then - no signs of pests or disease, has looked very healthy and grown accordingly. However, just this morning, March 14, I looked out my window and noticed what looks like open sores with sap running down in several locations on it. I've attached pictures to show you this. The "wounds" aren't near the bottom of the tree - I'd say they're between four and seven feet from the ground. Again, it appears to be "wounds" with sapping bleeding out. I've never noticed this before, definitely not prior to this winter as I mow around the tree during the warm months, so I'm able to always get an up-close inspection of the tree. Any thoughts on what's going on and if there's anything I should be doing? - Thom Jones,<personal data hidden>
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
These could be frost cracks. Are the wounds on the south or west side of the tree?
We have had some very warm and sunny days but the trees are still dormant so the warmth of the sun can cause the bark to crack. It is normal for maples to have sap running from any wounds in the spring, This is maple syrup tapping time.
Eventually the flow of sap should slow and stop.
Trees are very good at sealing off wounds. I would just keep an eye on it for the next 3 months and see if those wounds heal over.
