View Full Version : When will it start growing
arseneaudawn
Jul 23, 2008, 08:27 AM
Hi, I Recently Planted A Red Sugar Maple Tree That Was Sent A An Dorment State. How Long Does It Take To Begin To Grow,, next Year Or Should It Show Signs Of Growth This Year
tickle
Jul 23, 2008, 09:19 AM
What time of the year did you plant the tree and what part of the world are you in ?
wallabee4
Jul 23, 2008, 05:26 PM
The tree's first energy will go to establishing roots. The best time to plant a tree is in the late fall when the leaves have dropped, so that it is dormant, as you say. I hope you didn't amend the soil in the hole where you planted the tree. Your tree will want to grow in what its native soil is going to be, the sooner it knows what that is, the better, as far as establishing roots (in other words, if you filled the hole with enriched soil or peat moss or compost, your roots will tend to stay around that nice soft nutrient rich soil and not expand out as it needs to to establish strong, sturdy root growth. Keep it regularly watered and water deeply with a drip hose rather than flood it with a bucket. As far as 'growing' it should leaf up the first spring, but even if it doesn't, take a look at the tips of the branches. Pinch off a bit and see if it is green or dry brown and brittle. There are some trees that depending on the planting conditions and weather may not leaf up the first spring after planting, but if you still see green viable buds you are OK. The leaves may just come later in the year or even the next year if the plant feels too stressed. Actual growth (getting taller) may not happen until the next year, but maples grow pretty fast (not so much the red as silver maples) you should see a few inches the first year over time.
tickle
Jul 24, 2008, 08:11 AM
I have never had success planting a tree in the fall. I really don't believe there is enough growing time to establish anything that will save the tree throughout the winter. Especially winters in southeast Ontario.
This is one of the reasons I asked the OP where he is located and what time of year did he plant.
chuckhole
Jul 29, 2008, 03:04 PM
Our "country place" is in Ag zone 8. Last frost date is March 15. We plant all of our new bare root trees in late January to mid February. This gives them a chance to get their feet wet before they come out of hibernation. We soak the bare roots in water for about an hour before planting. Depending on the species, they will bud out within about 4-6 weeks after the last frost.
We have planted fruits, grapes, berries, nuts, hardwoods and softwoods from bare root and have had pretty decent luck. As been said already, keep them watered. New trees should get about 15-20 gallons a week for the first year.
Everything we have planted has been done at least twice because of lack of water, leaf cutter ants, lack of water, aphids or other leaf sucking creatures, lack of water... did I mention lack of water?