Can I Save My Japanese Maple?

Question

My JM tree looks dead. It was doing well for 4 or 5 years. Then we planted some dusty miller plants at the base. Next season it looked dead. Any advice?

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Answer 1

The JM roots were likely disturbed too much when the dusty miller was planted, and it also prevented oxygen getting to the roots and competed for water and nutrients. The best thing to apply under a tree is hardwood mulch out to the dripline.