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Colored leaves autumn blaze maple #873709

Asked June 18, 2024, 8:19 PM EDT

Our autumn blaze maples are having red leaves in the spring. Do they need fertilizing? If yes, what type of fertilizer.

Wexford County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,
This is probably a sign that the tree is stressed.  Without any photos, I cannot determine what may be causing the stress.  Many times, trees showing early color have been planted within the last year or two and have not had sufficient watering.  Sometimes it is a tree that was planted longer ago, but was not planted at the correct depth, so it is now having root problems. Fertilizing is not the first thing to try.  First, you would want to get a soil test done to determine what, if any, nutrients the tree is not getting.  Get a home soil test kit here: 
https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/
You may want to consult an arborist who can look at the tree on site. We always recommend an ISA-certified arborist.  Find one here:  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
If you decide you would like to send in some photos, please take a picture of the whole tree, another of the tree at ground level, and another of the leaves closer up. 
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT



On Tue, Jun 18, 2024 at 8:19 PM, Ask Extension
Thank you so much for your quick response. We'll be contacting an arborist in Cadillac. 

Dear Colleen,

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YOUR QUESTION #0143627:

Colored leaves autumn blaze maple

Our autumn blaze maples are having red leaves in the spring. Do they need fertilizing? If yes, what type of fertilizer.

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The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 8:48 AM EDT

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