I want to plant perennials around my maple tree, but there are many feeder roots just below the surface and am afraid of compromising the tree if I go forward with that. I was thinking of tickseed or coreopsis to plant there. Thank you for your time. Ann
Maples are notorious for their shallow roots. It is not good for the tree to add soil on top of roots in order to plant or to sever roots larger than 2". You could carve a niche for a 3-4 inch potted plant but the tree roots will deprive the plant of water and nutrients. Anticipate the need to water frequently. Coreopsis can handle drought once it is established but needs regular watering the first year. Tickseed coreopsis is a shallow-rooted plant so you could give it a try. You may have more success by investing in garden statuary or something whimsical, a birdbath or growing trailing plants in decorative pots. Here is an extensive article on the Dos and Don'ts of planting under trees and which plants to consider. Coreopsis is a full sun plant. Most of the suggestions in this article are for shade to part sun. https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/turfgrass/special/planting-under-trees/doc/8237pdf.pdf
After an extended period of rainy weather (10 days straight), a maple tree cut down a few years ago along with a live tree now have a thick coating of white on the button of the trunks. It seems to have appeared overnight. Any ideas what this is and what to do about it?
In most cases, this is just the beneficial fungi in the soil flourishing... When you see black or green... then you can worry.
For now, I would recommend applying dolomitic lime and wettable sulfur, just to ward off any infections that are prone to thriving in wet weather. Otherwise, there will be no action needed.
I'd like to know what kind of flower you could suggest I plant around the roots of a maple tree in New England. Since big weeds grow there, I prefer to dig them out and put in some sort of ground cover, flower with some soil and mulch. It would look much nicer. Please advise, the area gets mostly sun during the day, a good deal of it. thank you for your article about this!
Do not add more then 2 to 3 inches of soil and mulch to the planting area.
Hosta, Ferns, Bleeding Heart, Lily of the Valley, Sweet Woodruff, Violets, Dwarf Periwinkle, Spring bulb plants; Tulips, Daffodils, Snow Drops.
15 year old Maple Tree is full of keys but very few leaves - it is end May. Is there something that I can do?
I just now understood you, you meant the seeds have stayed on the tree.
Wind, rain or the new leaves will push off the seeds.
Hardwoods are the last to fill out completely.
I understand your weather has been very cool. Eventually Mother Nature will warm it up!
I planted an Autumn Blaze Maple tree in 2017 and it seemed to thrive and grew about 6-8 inches from when it went in the ground. We live on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. This year the tree has not shown any signs of growth other than some small leaves at the bottom of the 2 inch trunk, which are very healthy looking. The rest of the tree looks like it has buds but none of them have opened nor are they showing signs that they will. I snapped a couple of the smaller ones to see if the branch was pliable....snapped right off! We buried the tree halfway up with straw when winter arrived and removed it when spring finally got here. We've been making sure it gets water, but it is planted on a very gentle slope so I'm not sure it is soaking up the water or not. Is it a goner?
It looks like the tree has died and that the root stock is sending up shoots.
Sometimes there just isn't an explanation for why a tree dies off.
Most reputable garden centers or nursery's will guarantee a new tree for 1 year.
These links have more information for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/sudden-tree-death-causes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/maple/care-of-red-maple-trees.htm
Just planted a small "Coral Bark" Japanese maple. New fresh leaves appear yellow brown. I've read that this could be either leaf scorch or overwatering. But how do I tell which? I have attached pictures. Plant is in full sun, but I believe Coral Bark is one of the varieties that can tolerate sun. I have also stopped watering, though we have had a few days of summer rain. Should I dig up and move plant? How do I know if it is too much sun or too much water?
You should plant this tree in a light shade location. Full sun would likely burn the leaves.
Daily watering should be done in the first 2 weeks, they slightly less.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/coral-bark-japanese-maples.htm
I HAVE A MAPLE TREE, I,AM PRETTY SURE IT IS , THE PROBLEM I GOT THE BRANCHES ARE VERY BRITTLE. EVEN IN SUMMER . IS IT LACKING SOME THING OR IS IT SICK THANK YOU
Maple tree branches are naturally somewhat brittle, plus they have a tendancy to form tight V-crotches that are prone to splitting apart.
Extreme pruning practices can result in rampant re-growth with structural defects that are prone to breakage.
Good growing conditions, soil fertility and water management are the best things you can do to promote health and structural strength. And don't "top" the tree.
If you think there is a pest or disease issue, send us a better description and photos, call your county/university agricultural extension service, or have a certified arborist inspect the tree and advise.