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Newly Planted Autumn Blaze Maple #559477

Asked May 08, 2019, 12:07 PM EDT

We purchased the maple bare root from the City of Bloomington and planted on May 4, the same day we picked it up.  This is my first experience with bare root and I want to make sure I'm doing what the tree requires in order to promote its growth in its new home.  I did a deep watering when we planted and have done slow stream as the ground has dried. The tree does have buds.  How will I know that the tree is beginning to take root and when will the buds form leaves?

County Minnesota

Expert Response

Your tree will slowly come out of dormancy when it is ready.It may take a few weeks.

https://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/how-do-trees-know-when-to-leaf-out-in-the-spring

 Maple trees have shallow roots that can damage paved areas and house foundation if they are planted to closely to your house or sidewalks. Eventually your Autumn Blaze maple will grow 40-60 feet tall and 40-50 feet wide. At maturity, it will have an oval to rounded crown with ascending branches and a well-defined central leader. This tree is not as susceptible to storm damage as silver maple because it has superior crotch angles and a well-balanced branching habit but still has the weaker wood characteristic of the silver maple. Did you consider the tree's “full-grown” size? When the tree nears maturity, will it be too close to your house or other structures?  You should plant as far as 25 feet from the house to insure room for growth. Avoid planting shallow rooted maples tree species near sidewalks. Reserve trees that mature higher than 50 feet for areas with at least eight feet between paved areas. This allows adequate space for the tree roots.

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/1995/3-31-1995/sidetree.html

 It is important to check if your tree was planted correctly. https://trees.umn.edu/sites/g/files/pua3136/f/best-planting-practices.pdf

Create a doughnut shaped organic mulch ring that is 2 to 4 inches deep and 6 feet in diameter around the tree. Keep the mulch off the trunk. This will help hold moisture in the soil and prevent trunk damage from lawn care machinery.

 Sunscald or southwest injury occurs in late winter and early spring on the south west side of thin bark maple trees. Wrap the bark of your young maple tree with commercial tree wrap. Be sure to remove the wrap in spring. If left in place, it attracts insects and diseases.http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/sunscald/sunscald-of-woody-plants.aspx

The following site will explain how to water your young transplanted tree.

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs

Keep watering the tree during dry spells for the first two years. Try not to over water the tree.


Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied May 08, 2019, 2:08 PM EDT

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