Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/31/2008

Question
I planted a small red maple last year at the end of summer. The tree has grown but has no leaves on it. Is there something special I can do to save my tree? It was a shoot from the mother tree that I kept sheltered for two years before I put it out in plain sight. Thanks alot your help is appreciated.

Answer
Linda,
I don't know where you live, but just about anywhere a tree should be budding out or have leaves by the first of June. It's possible that it died over the winter... But since it's just the beginning of June you could hope for the best - at this point the only thing to do is water it if it doesn't rain well every six days or so, and hope for the best. Don't be tempted to give it a lot of fertilizer unless it's a very weak solution of one that is made for transplanting shrubs or trees. If there is life in the plant it may be regrowing roots at this point, so keeping the soil moist but not swampy is the best thing you can do to help.  

If the plant doesn't have foliage by the end of June then you've lost it - time to look for another one to nurture!

all the best,
C.L.