Hi Pete,

Yours is the second question in two days I've had on this. Premature red leaves are most often a sign of a stressed tree. I think the problem goes back two years ago when we started having droughts coupled with extreme heat which was very stressful on lots of trees and lead to the death of many.

I also see that your tree is planted too deeply. Pull up all that grass turf around the base of your tree for at least a four foot diameter. The main flare roots should be exposed. If they are not you need to remove (gently ) the soil until you can see them. Lightly mulch with about two inches of wood mulch around the tree staying well away from the trunk. Grass sucks all the moisture away.

Hopefully that will help,

Sally Granath

St. Louis County MG