I am in the heart of Oklahoma. I planted 2 new maple trees in 2005 and they did okay in 2006 and 2007. But last year the tops of them died. Last year was not excessively rainy nor hot. Just a nice summer.

I waited until growing season this year to see what would happen. The tops remain dead, but the bottom half has new leaves. These 2 trees are in sandy (not fertile) soil, so each growing season I have put in a fertilizer stick in the ground near their trunk.

I wonder what caused the tops to die in the first place? And should I leave the tops as they are or cut off the dead limbs? At this point these trees are about 10 feet tall. They gained decent height each growing season.

Thanks for any advice,
dbteeitup

Hi! dbteeitup,

Summer is not the season you need to worry about. Is there any possibility your trees can be affected by any type of Winter, road run off?

In any event, your trees are suffering from Maple Decline.
See:
Maple Decline Factsheet

This site offers an understanding of Maples.
The life of a sugar maple tree.

And for pruning:
Landscape Management from Tree Care Tips.org

I would dig around the base by the root flair to make sure the root balls were properly cleared of burlap and wire... this is a very common problem and is noticed mostly a few years after planting when the roots run out of room and begin to bind up

Hi,
Recently I received a bare root red maple tree from someone really special to me. I didn't have the time nor appliances to plant the tree immediately so, as instructed I kept occasionally damped the roots and re-tied them in its original package (then stored it in a cool, dark enviornment).

A week later I planted the tree. However, since it was only 3 feet tall and currently with no leaves I decided to plant it in a large pot first. This, I found, was suitable until I found sufficient land space for it (hopefully once I get my own place).

The third day after the tree was planted, I noticed it started shedding its outer coat. I was afraid the tree was drying and so I scratched the bark with my finger to see if it was still Green underneath but no, it was light brown/white. I scratched the base of the bark (close to the soil) and it still remains green.

It hasn't started budding yet nor does it show any signs of new leaves yet. Is my tree dead? Or dying? Help...

And a Hi! Back at Ya T-girl5, And welcome to AMHD :)

With experience in working with bare root seedlings (brs) from the local Conservation District, one of the first items on the order states:

"Because of the nature of bareroot seedlings, they will not be guaranteed to grow"

This is because of the "Bang-Bang" nature of handling brs. "get'em out - get'em in"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by T-girl5

Hi,
Recently I recieved a bare root red maple tree from someone really special to me. I didn't have the time nor appliances to plant the tree immediately so, as instructed I kept occasionally damped the roots and re-tied them in its original package (then stored it in a cool, dark enviornment).

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This is a standard and acceptable practice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by T-girl5

A week later i planted the tree. However, since it was only 3 feet tall and currently with no leaves i decided to plant it in a large pot first. This, i found, was suitable until i found sufficient land space for it (hopefully once i get my own place).

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Depending on the size of the tree they will not have leaves on them. 3' and no leaves is normal.
Your planting in a large container is also acceptable.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by T-girl5

The third day after the tree was planted, i noticed it started shedding its outer coat. I was afraid the tree was drying and so i scratched the bark with my finger to see if it was still Green underneath but no, it was light brown/white. I scratched the base of the bark (close to the soil) and it still remains green.
It hasn't started budding yet nor does it show any signs of new leaves yet. Is my tree dead? or dying? help......

---

You have had this seedling for approx. 10 days, your friend maybe 3, its taken 2 to reach him/her, plus 1 or 2 for processing at the nursery.

At the minimum "Red" has been out of soil for two weeks, and I would say that she is in shock mode for lack of nutrients, the jell that is applied at the nursery can only last for maybe a week. She may be dying, but she is not dead yet.

So far I realize that I have painted a very bleak future for "Red".

*Keep her cool in a shaded area
*If you only have city water, let it stand in an open container for at least two days to let the Chlorine's evaporate, aerate water by tossing between container's
*Let soil dry before re-watering,
*Do not soak, once you see water run out of the bottom. Stop.
*If you used an enriched potting soil do not fertilize. If not, use only a very, very week solution.

*Do not concern yourself with budding right now. It will take her at least another week to come out of this shock.

*Do not "scratch" at her bark.

With a careful eye and Nature's will, She will make it!

My Kindest Regards,

KUXJ

Edit:

Cut "but do not let re-watering go past the third day.", sounded confusing.

Once you notice the soil is dry, go one, maybe two days before giving another drink.

Wow, thanks for taking your time with such a long reply. It was very helpful.

Your Welcome!

Unfortunately :( , I also have the experience of a 100% mortality rate on some of my brs orders, even after planting them the same day.
So I do understand the feelings you have for "Red".

T-girl5, you had this situation thrust upon you, so your time had already run out.
Under normal circumstances, the time between the order and pick-up is used to ready the planting site.
But sometimes Life can throw us some curves. If you would ever come into this situation again, and for anyone reading this:

If you know you will not be able to locate and plant the brs within one day of receiving them, take that day to plant them in soil immediately.
Even if you have to just lay them on a shady part of the lawn, cover them with soil and water them.
It is always preferable to win the battle, than to lose the war.

Please keep in touch... Regards, k


"He plants trees to benefit another generation".
Caecilius Statius (220 BC - 168 BC), Synephebi