How do I take care of my young maple tree?

Last spring, I have brought a 5 foot maple tree from forest, and planted it near my driveway. The first summer, the tree did fine, closer to the fall, instead of having bright yellow or red leaves, they just faded and fell off. I have fertilized the tree all last year, winter and spring.



This year, the leaves are much bigger and much more plentiful. The tree has grown about 4 inches.



So here are my questions.



1. How can I make the tree grow faster taller? (There are still tiny, undeveloped leaves on the ends of the branches)

2. How can I make my maple have vibrant colors in leaves during the fall?

3. In general, any treatments that would make my maple have a better life?

How do I take care of my young maple tree?
If you dug the tree from the forest and then planted it, you probably had more top than the root system you dug up could support.

I've had best luck by root pruning around the tree in the forest in the fall, and then come spring, digging it up and moving it to the new location - a wives tale that I also follow is to tie a ribbon to the tree before moving indicating north and then plant it facing the same way.

Once in place with a good amount of water regularly, cut back the limbs following good pruning practices. (open up the center, cut 'leggy' and crossing branches and prune outside a bud that is heading the way you wish the branch to grow.

The first year you want the newly transplanted tree to develop a good root system. During the 2nd year it will begin to get larger. After that - look out as they grow very quickly.

I followed the above 5 years ago on an oak about the size of your thumb - it is now over 25' tall and about 8" in diameter at the base.
Reply:Depends on what kind of maple tree you have. I planted two silver maples two years ago, and they are not very colorful in the fall.ed branches on it but growing probably like yours . I don't think you can do much else. Good Luck.
Reply:Hi:

Sounds like you are on the right path. You mentioned you fertilized in spring and fall. What type of fertilizer did you use? 10-10-10 is a good type to use on a maple tree.



Maple is a hard wood and a slow grower. You have a young Maple tree and it will take a few growth seasons to get established. The leaves the first year in the fall could of been an adjustment to the new environment.



You can prune the Maple after the fall color departs. Always trim any branch at an angle. Never cut it straight across as it could damage the branches.



In your geographic location - do you have sandy or clay base soil??? Depending on your location - you may need to put some nutrient into your soil. I am not sure where you are located, but you might need to add calcium or phosphorus or another nutrient.



If you are in a drought area - make sure you stay on a watering schedule even though you have had the tree over a year. One of the best ways to water a tree is to take a hose and put it next to the trunk of the tree. Slow trickle the water for about 15 to won minutes. Move the hose around the base and continue to water for up to 45 minutes to an hour. Do this two times a week in the heat.



I hope this helps some and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Good luck to you and I hope you have vibrant color leaves this fall.

Kimberly

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