Add Color To Your Yard With A Red Maple Tree
Are you tired of looking out into your yard and seeing nothing but shades of brown and green? Consider adding a little color to your yard with a red maple tree. These trees are easy to plant and care for, and once grown, they provide plenty of shade beneath their canopies. Plus, their bright, red leaves will really stand out! Here's a closer look.
Planting a Red Maple
Like most trees, red maples can be hard to plant from seeds. A much easier solution is to head to your local nursery and buy a young tree that's about five or six feet tall. Usually, these trees are about two or three years old. They're established enough that there's a much greater chance they will "make it," as long as you plant them properly.
To plant your young tree, dig a wide hole. Place the tree root ball inside, and bury it just up to the junction between the trunk and the roots. Don't pile dirt too high up against the trunk, as this may perpetuate rot. Pack the soil down, and then apply enough water to moisten the soil. In the weeks that follow, be sure to water your tree every three or four days to keep the soil moist.
Caring For a Young Red Maple
About a year after you plant the tree, make an appointment with a tree care company in your area. Ask them to prune the tree. Though the tree won't have a lot of extra branches to trim away at this time, it's important that any branches that don't fit into the tree's ideal shape are trimmed away. This will ensure your tree stays straight and tall as it grows.
You should not have to water the tree much, if at all, after its first few months in the ground. By this point, its roots will reach further down into the ground, enabling the tree to capture water from the deeper, moister soil. If you apply some mulch to the ground around the tree, it will help seal water into the ground.
Caring For a Mature Red Maple
Throughout your tree's life, you should be sure to have it trimmed about once a year. This will ensure that any dead or damaged branches are removed before they can attract insects or disease. Also, be sure to take up any fallen leaves sooner rather than later. The fallen leaves may look nice, but they can harbor fungi that will infect the tree come spring.
To learn more about red maple trees, talk to a tree care company or landscaping service in your area.