Fall Fiesta Maple from Bachmans - Ask Extension
Hello Tree Expert!
My wife and I just purchased this Fall Fiesta Maple tree at Bachman's in Minneapolis, to add to our backyard. I am now noticing ...
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Fall Fiesta Maple from Bachmans #790340
Asked May 11, 2022, 7:27 PM EDT
Hello Tree Expert!
My wife and I just purchased this Fall Fiesta Maple tree at Bachman's in Minneapolis, to add to our backyard. I am now noticing the base of the tree, which to me, looks similar to the graft site on an apple tree we have. Is this Fall Fiesta Maple grafted onto a different rootstock? If yes, what are your thoughts on this? Is that normal? Will it be an issue as the tree grows bigger? Or maybe it is not grafted and I am way off. If we don't feel great about this purchase, I could return it... so I am curious to see what you think. Thank you for your help!
-Adam DeWenter
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Check with Bachman’s on whether it is grafted and why. Often trees are grafted to exhibit a particular characteristic such as fall color.
The maple tree pictured is planted too deep. There should be a root flare visible. Planting trees too deep, especially maple trees can cause circling roots to kill the tree over time. And they can develop weak root structure and become dangerous because they can fall during high winds. Scraping the dirt away and raising the tree while it is adjusting is possible. See the following websites for additional information.
1. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/girdling.aspx
2. https://www.swnewsmedia.com/chanhassen_villager/news/the-root-of-the-issue-with-maples/article_df<personal data hidden>-5381-bbcb-31ce1e2ab223.html
3. https://www.arborrangers.com/girdling-roots-kill-trees/
The maple tree pictured is planted too deep. There should be a root flare visible. Planting trees too deep, especially maple trees can cause circling roots to kill the tree over time. And they can develop weak root structure and become dangerous because they can fall during high winds. Scraping the dirt away and raising the tree while it is adjusting is possible. See the following websites for additional information.
1. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/girdling.aspx
2. https://www.swnewsmedia.com/chanhassen_villager/news/the-root-of-the-issue-with-maples/article_df<personal data hidden>-5381-bbcb-31ce1e2ab223.html
3. https://www.arborrangers.com/girdling-roots-kill-trees/
