Royal maple - Ask Extension
I planted this tree in November 2021, 21/2 years ago. It did well the sprinf of 2022. I was gone last year for 10 weeks during the drought and Canad...
Knowledgebase
Royal maple #869757
Asked May 23, 2024, 11:07 AM EDT
I planted this tree in November 2021, 21/2 years ago. It did well the sprinf of 2022. I was gone last year for 10 weeks during the drought and Canada smoke so I was not abel to water it then. I have watered it in dry spells. I fertilize all my bushes/trees with 10/10/10 in the spring and fall. This tree is planted in clay ground but I did dig large deep hole and put in good soil. It just does not seem to be jumping out this spring, its thrid spring season. Suggestions?
Genesee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
I think there might be a few things that might be affecting your tree's ability to thrive the way you would like. The first thing to look at is where your tree's root flare is. (The root flare is a widening of the trunk that appears directly on top of the root system). If you cannot see the widening, you may need to dig some soil away from the top of the root system to allow proper air exchange. This has to be done with care not to damage more roots, and with a mind for proper drainage. Trees do not typically like roots in standing water for any length of time. Mulch should be no deeper than a few inches, and pulled away from touching the trunk. I can see a dark area in the photo at the tree base that may be some root rot starting, or it may just be a dark piece of mulch. Take a look at that more closely, and if it does appear to be rot, that is another indication that the tree is planted too deeply. Here is an article about tree planting depth: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply/
The other problem that might be contributing here is when I hear that you dug a hole in the clay soil and filled it with "good" soil. When this practice is done, the tree often grows well for the first year or two but does not continue to grow as many roots into the surrounding clay soil. A better practice (for next time) is to back-fill with the same soil with a little compost added. You can continue to add an inch of compost every year if the soil is problematic.
Lastly, fertilizing twice a year may not only not be needed, but be causing the tree some stress. I would recommend a soil test to determine what and how much is needed, if anything. Get a soil test here: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/ Read more about recommended fertilizing of shade trees:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fertilizing-trees-and-shrubs-and-nutrient-deficiency-symptoms/
At this point in the tree's life, the main action to take is to pull some soil away from the top of the tree root system and make sure the tree is supported during drought times. Soil test around the tree to see what type of fertilizing is appropriate.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension
Ruth
I think there might be a few things that might be affecting your tree's ability to thrive the way you would like. The first thing to look at is where your tree's root flare is. (The root flare is a widening of the trunk that appears directly on top of the root system). If you cannot see the widening, you may need to dig some soil away from the top of the root system to allow proper air exchange. This has to be done with care not to damage more roots, and with a mind for proper drainage. Trees do not typically like roots in standing water for any length of time. Mulch should be no deeper than a few inches, and pulled away from touching the trunk. I can see a dark area in the photo at the tree base that may be some root rot starting, or it may just be a dark piece of mulch. Take a look at that more closely, and if it does appear to be rot, that is another indication that the tree is planted too deeply. Here is an article about tree planting depth: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply/
The other problem that might be contributing here is when I hear that you dug a hole in the clay soil and filled it with "good" soil. When this practice is done, the tree often grows well for the first year or two but does not continue to grow as many roots into the surrounding clay soil. A better practice (for next time) is to back-fill with the same soil with a little compost added. You can continue to add an inch of compost every year if the soil is problematic.
Lastly, fertilizing twice a year may not only not be needed, but be causing the tree some stress. I would recommend a soil test to determine what and how much is needed, if anything. Get a soil test here: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/ Read more about recommended fertilizing of shade trees:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fertilizing-trees-and-shrubs-and-nutrient-deficiency-symptoms/
At this point in the tree's life, the main action to take is to pull some soil away from the top of the tree root system and make sure the tree is supported during drought times. Soil test around the tree to see what type of fertilizing is appropriate.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
Can you see my 5/25/24 and your 5/29/24 response? I did what you said and cleared away the mulch and planted grass. see pics. I didn't expect immediate results but the tree continues to struggle and has developed curling and brown spots on the leaves, see pics. I went back and reread your 5/29/24 response and looked at the youtube video you suggested and a couple of others. I figure I planted the tree too deep. I excavated some of the dirt today, see pics. It is about 41/2 inches below the grass line to the root collar.. Is it too deep? Should I dig it up and replant? I first planted it in early November 2021.
Thanks,
Jim Nugent
Hi Ruth,
Can you see my 5/25/24 and your 5/29/24 response? I did what you said and cleared away the mulch and planted grass. see pics. I didn't expect immediate results but the tree continues to struggle and has developed curling and brown spots on the leaves, see pics. I went back and reread your 5/29/24 response and looked at the youtube video you suggested and a couple of others. I figure I planted the tree too deep. I excavated some of the dirt today, see pics. It is about 41/2 inches below the grass line to the root collar.. Is it too deep? Should I dig it up and replant? I first planted it in early November 2021.
Thanks,
Jim Nugent
Hello,
I am not sure where you thought I told you to plant grass under the tree, because that is not a good idea. Clearing away excess mulch and dirt IS a good idea, but you do have to be careful not to create a situation where the tree is sitting in water when it rains. In other words, you may need to grade farther out so that water drains well from around the tree. Very few trees tolerate overly- moist conditions. I would not expect the tree to respond this growing season to changes you are making now. But the tree was clearly planted too deeply. The photo with the measuring tape is showing epicormic roots which grow in response to incorrect planting depth in an attempt to get more oxygen for the root system. Hopefully the tree health will improve over the next few growing seasons.
Ruth
I am not sure where you thought I told you to plant grass under the tree, because that is not a good idea. Clearing away excess mulch and dirt IS a good idea, but you do have to be careful not to create a situation where the tree is sitting in water when it rains. In other words, you may need to grade farther out so that water drains well from around the tree. Very few trees tolerate overly- moist conditions. I would not expect the tree to respond this growing season to changes you are making now. But the tree was clearly planted too deeply. The photo with the measuring tape is showing epicormic roots which grow in response to incorrect planting depth in an attempt to get more oxygen for the root system. Hopefully the tree health will improve over the next few growing seasons.
Ruth
