Spring Maple planting problem. Too late?

morser

Hello,

In fall 2009 our family purchased some trees from a local organization that promotes conservation. We got 5 bare root sugar maples and planted them around our property. The trees are about 5 to 6 feet tall.

2 of the trees in a different area are doing very well all things considered. The other 3 have been planted in an area that we discovered has more water than we thought. I am thinking that the holes we dug for the plants contain too much water. The trees started to bud, and the buds started to open, then stopped. The buds do not feel dry yet, but it has been this way for weeks.

I am thinking of raising the level of these trees by bringing in some more good dirt, or moving them a few feet where the grade is slightly higher.

My question is, It is now middle of May in Southern Ontario. Is it too late for these 3 maples?

Thanks in advance,

TreeSpecialist

Move them right away. It's still spring where you are.

If they were planted too deep or have poor drainage, they are not going make it anyway.

Any planting hole should be first filled with water and observed to see how long it takes to drain.

Plant the trees with the root crowns (flares at the base of the stem) on top of the ground.

Amend the soil in the planting hole at least 50/50 with either compost or peat moss. Keep them moist but not saturated.

And keep your fingers crossed.

__________________