Congratulations on the purchase of your new Red Maple Trees! Your new trees are great for privacy screens and as showpiece trees.
You have received a young Red Maple sapling that is under a year old. You may be surprised at what you see, so let us tell you what you have and what to do with them. Our foremost desire is your satisfaction and success in your new Fast Growing Tree!
A great deal of care has been taken to package your tree. Still, it has been in a dark box for two to three days, likely handled roughly and possibly exposed to extreme temperatures. Your tree may look a little wilted or dry, but this is common and nothing to be concerned about. With proper watering your tree rejuvenate itself. It may have no leaves, but this is because it has been trimmed before being packed.
The key to the survival of your Red Maple Tree is to keep the roots moist at all times. This does not mean to soak the roots; rather keep close attention to your tree and its surrounding soil. If the soil is dry then it needs watering, and if it is soaked your tree has been over watered.
We recommend that once you receive your Red Maple tree, you unpack it immediately. Unbundle and spread your plants out and sprinkle the leaves and roots with water. Do not soak your Red Maple seedling in water for this will drown your tree and deprive it of much-needed oxygen. Do, however, keep your roots moist, cool, and unfrozen.
If possible, plant it immediately in moist soil. Growers can improve their odds of raising a beautiful tree by properly preparing the site and taking care of the delicate seedlings before and during planting. It is very easy to mishandle your tree while planting.
These Planting Directions Cover:
Scarlet Red Maple Tree
October Glory Maple Tree
Autumn Blaze Maple Tree
Summers Red Maple Tree
Planting Instructions
When planting, prevent your roots from drying. In many cases, the damage that occurs to roots happens when the trees are planted. Plant your tree with damp roots and minimize root pruning.
The healthier, active roots a seedling has, the better it will survive and grow. Therefore, dig a large hole to make plenty of room for the roots. It is better to dig a big hole to accommodate all the root s than to cut roots for a smaller hole.
Spread out the roots evenly in the hole and surround them with dirt so that no pockets or air are present. If pockets of air are present, the roots of your trees will dry out. Plant your tree so that the roots of the tree are covered and the stem is above ground level. Pack the loose soil firmly around the roots.
Important: If you are experiencing extreme temperatures or a severe drought, avoid planting your tree. It is suggested that you plant your tree in a light colored pot and place it in the shade, or plant it in a well-shaded area in your lawn.
Seasonal Information - Be sure to plant your tree at least 6 weeks before your first frost. This will give the tree a chance to adjust to its new environment. If you are experiencing extreme heat, place your potted tree in a well-shaded area, such as a garage, or plant it in a well-shaded area in your lawn. Once older, your tree will be able to handle these temperatures. Typically trees do not experience much growth during times of extreme temperatures.
Watering – When young, make sure your tree gets water during extended dry spells, particularly in the summer months. Light green leaves are a sign of over watering. Drooping leaves are a sign of both over or under watering, so take great care of your tree.
Fertilizer – Red Maple Trees love fertilizer. Use only slow-release fertilizer tablets for the first growing season. Do not use stronger fertilizers until your tree becomes more established. You can use Miracle Grow, a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. Fertilize twice a month when the tree is coming out of dormancy, then once a month during the summer. Stop fertilizing before the tree goes back into dormancy.
Weed Control – Keep weeds and grass two to three feet away from the tree in the first year. Pull the weeds initially, and then you can use a growing mat or mulch. Do not spray Roundup on a young tree and be careful that wind does not blow chemical drift on the tree.
Deer – If you think deer may be a problem, sprinkle some “Deer Away” on the top of the tree until it grows beyond the reach of the deer.
Insects and Disease - The best defense is a healthy tree. Red Maple Trees are very hardy. Good soil, proper feeding and keeping the tree from getting too much water are key to its prosperity.
If worms bite holes in the leaves you can sprinkle seven dust on them. These little bites do not affect the tree since it is growing at such a fast rate and putting on so many new leaves.
Pets – Pets should be discouraged from nibbling on your tree.
Winter Dormancy - During late fall and winter, your tree will go dormant. The leaves will fall off and the stem will turn brown. Nothing will be happening above ground, but the roots will continue to grow below. This winter root growth will help accelerate growth when spring comes.