I live in Minnesota and the deer have scraped the bark off of my maples this last winter. What should I do? I did cover them with plastic wrap for trees but they tore right through it. I am either going to buy plastic tubes or use the excess chicken wire I have to protect from further damage. However, the bark is torn, badly in some places, should I paint over the sores?
No, you should not cover or seal the wounds. This can trap disease into the wounds and make matters worse.
Chicken wire will work best to keep them off. If you have not read it, this article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/how-to-protect-trees-from-deer.htm
Our two-year-old tree had leaves the year we planted it, but the following spring it came to bud and then nothing but suckers appeared from the below the surface, which we cut off. This spring it is still dead, but a sucker has started to grow. It is a variegated maple.
This is a common thing for grafted trees that have died. With a grafted tree, which is common for unusual varieties, when the scion (the top) dies or is stressed, the rootstock (the bottom) starts to send out suckers. The suckers will not look like the plant that you planted. If the top above the soil is dead, it is best to remove it and replant with a new tree.
I just transferred my 8-year-old maple tree, as it's obstructing our shed. Obviously, there were some roots cut off, but there is still good soil and roots around the base of the tree. I noticed that the leaves become wilted. Is it dying or just adjusting to the new soil or new place?
I just had a small maple tree transplanted, and it is not leafing out. It seems that the water is not penetrating the soil, but just pooling up or running off. I thought the soil was saturated, but a moisture meter says it's on the dry side. What can I do?
If the root ball was planted in a soil mix that had peat moss, it is possible that the peat dried out and is repelling water. I would take a long stake or something long and push it into the soil where the root ball is planted to help create some wells in it where the water can penetrate and re-hydrate the root ball. You will also want to let the water run over the area for an hour or so to swamp the area. This will also help re-hydrate the root ball.
How long should it take for maple tree seeds to germinate after they are planted?
Maple seeds usually require stratification prior to planting and the germination basically depends on the specific variety grown. Unfortunately, seed germination is hit and miss--while some may sprout within a few months, others may remain dormant for years.
Stratification process: soak seeds in lukewarm water for 48 hours to soften seed coat. Mix seeds with damp sphagnum moss or peat and place in a plastic zip-loc bag for 4-6 weeks at room temperature. Then place in the refrigerator for 60 to 90 days to mimic a natural winter season. After the 90 days, sow in trays or pots.
I have an Acer of about five years old in a large pot. It seems to have a sticky substance on some of the leaves and some of the leaves are rippled. Other than that it's quite healthy. What could these problems be please?
Sticky leaves are typically caused by either scale or aphids. Look closely at the underside of the leaves for small bumps. These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
I have a maple tree that we planted about 15 years ago in our yard. Early this spring I found evidence of moles and grubs. I 'treated' the area with cayan pepper. Now the tree has unhealthy looking leaves on it--- loses leaves in the wind--- will it heal itself or should I do something?
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/what-does-a-dying-tree-look-like-signs-that-a-tree-is-dying.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/lawn-grubs-how-to-get-rid-of-grub-worms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mole-control-home-remedies-for-removing-moles-from-your-yard.htm