What's your question? Ask

Red Maple Trees

Q.How big is the root system of a 5′ tall red maple?

Zone Lincoln, NE | mrjeys added on April 22, 2019 | Answered

Need to transplant.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
Downtoearthdigs
Answered on April 23, 2019

Begin by digging a trench around the root ball. As long as your tree is dormant, cutting the roots will not damage your Japanese maple.

In fact, root pruning will force the tree to produce more fibrous roots at the cut. This will help your tree become established in its new home.

The rule of thumb is 12″ of root ball per 1″ of tree caliper. Tree caliper is the diameter of the trunk, measured six inches above the soil line. A tree with a 2″ caliper trunk would need a root ball 24″ in diameter.

Japanese maple roots tend to grow more outward than downward. You will want to dig wide– at least as wide as the tree’s crown, if not wider.

Once your trench is done, it is time to shape the root ball for burlaping. If you are transplanting your Japanese maple immediately there is no need to ball and burlap it.

If you plan to keep it above ground for any length of time, you should protect the roots by wrapping them in soil and burlap.

Season makes no difference when planting your Japanese maple. You can plant them at any time. Time is only a factor when digging them.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/maple/care-of-red-maple-trees.htm

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Red Maple Trees
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK