Sensational Maple Tree Concerns - Ask Extension
I had this Sensational Maple Tree planted summer of 2018. First year seemed fine, followed water schedule and wrapped the trunk through the first wint...
Knowledgebase
Sensational Maple Tree Concerns #658598
Asked July 01, 2020, 1:12 PM EDT
I had this Sensational Maple Tree planted summer of 2018. First year seemed fine, followed water schedule and wrapped the trunk through the first winter. Both last summer and this summer, the leaves seem to be getting smaller and not staying on through end of July. What could be causing this issue?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
I would hazard a guess that it's showing signs of drought stress. If it was planted in 2018, it would have enough resources to push growth that year and in 2019. This season has been very hot (and very dry in the winter and early spring). Tell me more about how you're watering this tree. Also, can you send a photo of the base? Is it mulched? Or is there grass against the trunk? Any grass/weeds are going to compete with the tree for water, so it's good to clear that away and just have a mulch ring, keeping it 6-12" away from the trunk.
Does the lawn receive regular irrigation? If not, are you watering this tree by hand?
I would hazard a guess that it's showing signs of drought stress. If it was planted in 2018, it would have enough resources to push growth that year and in 2019. This season has been very hot (and very dry in the winter and early spring). Tell me more about how you're watering this tree. Also, can you send a photo of the base? Is it mulched? Or is there grass against the trunk? Any grass/weeds are going to compete with the tree for water, so it's good to clear that away and just have a mulch ring, keeping it 6-12" away from the trunk.
Does the lawn receive regular irrigation? If not, are you watering this tree by hand?
We've been watering it by hand. When it was planted, we had a ring built out 18" wide and 5" tall that was filled every 5-7 days that summer depending on how hot it was that week. Then once a week from Oct to Dec, and once in Jan and Feb. Last year it was watered half as much due to how wet that winter and spring was. Shouldn't it be established enough by now, being a drought tolerant tree?
Hello,
For this size of tree, it will take at least two years for establishment, possibly three. Plus, Sensation boxelder is not a native, so it will need some regular water during dry periods. It's been dry (and hot) this summer, so it's probably drought stressed. I would rank this tree as a "medium" water user.
I would recommend removing the weeds/grass from below the tree and placing a mulch ring at the base, about 4-5" thick, and extending out as far as you wish (at least two feet from the trunk). Keep the mulch 6" away from the trunk.
I would also try to provide this tree with water at least two to three times per month.
For this size of tree, it will take at least two years for establishment, possibly three. Plus, Sensation boxelder is not a native, so it will need some regular water during dry periods. It's been dry (and hot) this summer, so it's probably drought stressed. I would rank this tree as a "medium" water user.
I would recommend removing the weeds/grass from below the tree and placing a mulch ring at the base, about 4-5" thick, and extending out as far as you wish (at least two feet from the trunk). Keep the mulch 6" away from the trunk.
I would also try to provide this tree with water at least two to three times per month.
