Distressed maple finally comes down after a few years of decision-making. Robert Powell Hughes Marine Docent UNH Cooperative Extension. Two acres might qualify as a tree farm in the Bronx.

The bad news for homeowners is that many distressed maple trees probably should be removed. "They can become a hazard," Branhagen said. "Without the stability of the root system, ...

The fall foliage season is a bit ahead of schedule this year -- but that’s not why maple trees all over the Twin Cities have been turning color and dropping leaves, weeks before official autumn.