transplanted sugar maple

10 years ago

So, this spring we dug a maple tree up out of the woods- it was on the edge of a washout and was going to lose anyways. (Pre-leafing out). We got as much of the roots as we could, but it wasn't a ton. It's about 6 feet tall, and has branches at the top, but no lower ones. We've transplanted it to another location, and have been watering it religiously. The tree did leaf out- and has small leaves on most of the branches, but they haven't grown anymore then that. The maple trees around us have leafed out and have full size or almost full size leaves on them at this point

I can't tell if it is being under watered, over watered, is just in shock from the move, or if it needs some fertilizing to help it through this first season in it's new space, since it did loose roots when we dug it out.

Any thoughts? Recommendations of how to help the tree survive? Thanks all!

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Comments (3)

Huggorm
10 years ago
To grow larger leafs it need nutrients from the soil, and to get that it need to establish some roots first. It has a hard time right now, and all you can do is watering it. Some shade will also help, it can probably not suck enough water to cool down full sun yet
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
w/o a picture ... its near impossible to do anything but guess ...

you are z4,.. i am 5.. my maples have NOT even leafed out yet.. wonder why.. this spring .. of all COLD springs.. yours is early ...

and it also makes me wonder if it got frosted.. or froze .... and stopped development of those leaves ...

NEVER FERTILIZE A STRESSED PLANT ....and it will be stressed for two year.. minimum....

i dont understand.. why you dont dig a hole.. and find out if it is wet or dry down about 6 inches.... no one should be mystified about soil moisture ...

and.. finally ... transplants do weird things... only time will really tell.. if it has a chance to survive .... releaf.. etc ...

you dont mention your planting protocol.. i hope it was all native soil .... and if you have clay ... you did the right things in that regard ...

please.. do NOT guess about moisture.. its really the ONLY thing that is imperative.. go dig a hole and find out

ken
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Embothrium
10 years ago
Transplant shock. Top will not normalize until next spring, when root growth made this fall will enable stronger growth of top. In the mean time, keep mulched and watered.