Maple Tree Care

Maple tree care is a relatively easy task, as long as you prepare a little. When taking care of your maple tree there are four things that you need to consider. Two of these things need to be done prior to planting, and the other two will be ongoing tasks for as long as you have the tree. The first two tasks are soil and root preparation, while the final two are watering and seasonal care. If you keep these four things in mind, you will find that maple tree care is a snap.

• Soil preparation. Usually the soil that you will be planting your maple tree in will not require a large amount of work prior to planting. After all, if it did then there would be an awful lot less maple trees in the world. However, if you want to create the best possible growing environment for your maple tree, then you can simply mix a little fertilizer into the soil that you will be using to cover the tree with.
• Root preparation. Young maple trees need to have their roots covered as much as possible when they are first planted. What this means is that after you have put the root ball into the ground, and cut the strings that have the ball contained, you need to be sure that it is completely covered. Be sure that you have the hole dug out to a minimum of twice the diameter of the ball itself. This will allow you ample room to plant the tree, while also providing the roots with room to grow. For optimal growth, be sure that you are covering the roots with a 50/50 mixture of slow release fertilizer and soil.
• Watering. Throughout the life of the tree, be sure that you are watering no more than once a week. This regular weekly watering should be a deep watering, but be sure that you avoid over watering the tree, which you can tell that you are doing if the tree begins to produce light green, drooping leaves. Be sure that you adjust your watering schedule to compensate for any seasonal rain.
• Seasonal care. As with any tree, or even any plant in general, there is special care that needs to be taken seasonally to promote optimal growth. In the Autumn, be sure that you stop fertilizing once the leaves have begun to fall. If you keep fertilizing you will end up overfeeding the tree, which can kill it. In the Winter, ensure that you keep an eye on your tree for any signs of damage to its limbs or its trunk. During the Spring, take note of what branches are broken, dead, or diseased. If you find these types of branches be sure that you prune them. During the late Spring and Summer seasons keep an eye out for any pests that can damage your tree. The most common pest is the Asian long-horned beetle, which will eat its way into the tree and damage wood causing it to stop producing any sap.