Advice on Autumn Blaze Maple

johnm

I am looking for some advice on our Autumn Blaze Maple. The tree was planted in November 2010 by a local tree farm. The caliper size was 3"-4" and it was dug with a 36" tree spade. I've learned since that I should have chosen a smaller containerized tree, or a root-pruned larger tree.

The tree was planted with burlap and wire cage. I went back a few months after the tree was planted and removed the burlap and wire cage. I also uncovered the root collar right after it was planted.

Overall the leaves seem very sparse and small, which I realize can be a result of the shock it has gone through. My main concern is that the may have been topped a few years ago and will never grow naturally. The lower branches appear undisturbed. However, top branches, including the main leader look like they were topped/tipped to me. I've kept a very close eye on the tree and it has gotten plenty (but not too much) water. The leaves haven't turned brown or changed at all throughout the entire Summer.

I've seen several transplanted trees around town that don't seem to ever grow with vigor. I want to avoid having this tree sit around like a statue for years.

So, here are my questions:

1. Has this tree been topped, and if so what are the consequences?
2. Do the leaves look normal for a tree that's gone through this type of transplant shock?
3. Is it likely that the tree will 'bounce back' and grow with vigor?
4. Should I give the tree a few more years, or should I replace it now?

Thanks for your time.

John

Attached Thumbnails

           

 

Brent Ferris

The first two pics look sparse, but #3 and 4 look quite full, and the rest look alright. So these pics weren't taken at the same time?

Quite often the tree farms and the nurseries will trim the tops to force the tree to send out more sprouts and create a fuller tree and apparently a better "bang for the buck". As long as you fertilize with organic fertilizers (eg bonemeal, bloodmeal, potash) and liquid seaweed and stay away from the inorganic fertilizers the tree should grow just fine. It has gone thru transplant shock, replanting and who knows what else. I would be inclined to help the tree and encourage its growth , and see how it responds. The Autumn blaze trees I have seen usually grow into robust trees with some TLC
Many town trees are relegated to skimpy growing pits or cement boxes, survive on rainfall alone, and the fertilizing effects of peeing dogs or coons. So their growth, along with being affected by exhaust pollution of vehicles tends to be stunted.
This is only August 2011 - you could ask your supplier if they would replace the tree - they may or may not. If it were dead, they would more likely do something. Unfortunately, by removing the planting bag, they will prob say you ruined any chance of the tree surviving. Of course, if you hadn't done that, the tree would die. One of annoying conundrums the homeowner gets to deal with.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)

johnm

Thanks a lot for the response. The pictures were taken on the same day. It's encouraging to know that the tree could bounce back. I'll definitely do some research on the organic fertilizers you mentioned. I appreciate the help.

John