Knowledgebase
Maple Tree Is Turning Red Already #757971
Asked June 23, 2021, 4:05 PM EDT
Hi
We have what I think is a green maple tree in my front yard. I have lived here for 8 years. It gets a lot of sun and some refection from the windows of our house. So I'm not sure if that is the issue.
Also, I had an arborist come out years ago. He was fertilizing it in the spring and fall. It did not seem to help. So I stopped.
I then talked to another arborist on the phone. He recommend using some Miracid plant food and lots of watering. I use about 4 small scoops of Miracid mix with water about once a month. That has helped some. However, see the attached pictures from Today, June 23, 2021. The leaves are already starting to turn red.
How do I make the tree Healthy? Is it an issue with the soil, watering, too much sun/refection off of our house or something else? Should I just remove it and start with something else due to all the sun refection from my house?
Thank you,
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
This tree is showing signs of stress. The bare branches (called flagging) and the early fall coloration are both signs of stress. This could be stress from improper planting depth, as well as drought stress. To learn more about what a tree looks like when it is planted too deeply, see the following article.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/planting_a_tree_successfully_requires_the_correct_planting_depth
If, after reading this article you think the tree is too deep, you should remove sod and dirt from around the tree until you see the root flare (the widening of the trunk just above the root system). Then mulch with 2-3 inches of mulch, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
During dry spells, a relatively newly planted tree needs plenty of water. Lawn sprinklers do not always give the tree enough water. The best way to water a tree this size is to soak the soil around the tree twice a week. Your goal is moist soil not soggy soil or standing water.
If you would like to send more photos of the base of the tree, I may be able to tell you whether the tree has been planted at the correct depth.
I hope this is helpful. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
