The bigleaf maple tree is known for its large, distinctive leaves. These trees are a native of the Pacific Northwest's westside forests and can grow leaves up 1.5 feet in diameter — the largest maple. Scientists, hikers, and residents have noticed a greater number of stressed and dying bigleaf maples in urban and suburban areas as well as in forested areas. Many times, the leaves die first and leave some trees completely naked. Experts have struggled to find the root cause of tree decline for many years, despite having ruled out certain diseases. In collaboration with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, a new study has shown that bigleaf maple decline in Washington can be linked to hotter and drier summers. These conditions weaken the tree's immune systems, making it more vulnerable to diseases and other stressors. These findings were published in Forest Ecology and Management on September 16.
