Question
I planted an allee of 20 Armstrong Maples last autumn in our typical, North carolina, heavy, red clay. They have put on about 6" of growth this spring. They are currently 4' in height, but will grow to 35'plus. I applied a low dose of slow release fertilizer in early March w/ one additional Miracle Grow application in mid-May. 10 days ago I applied 10-10-10 to the trees, but didn't dispurse the granules very far outside of their small drip line (Armstrong maples are noted for their very columnar growth). This week I've noticed a lot of new growth (GOOD!), but much of it appears blackened/burnt (BAD!) I am watering everyone everyday (and have been since March), but I'm wondering if there is going to be permenent damage? On the plus side, a tropic depression has laid down about 6" of needed rain in the past 72 hours.

Of my other recent planting, none of the 90 needlepoint hollies, 60 wavy-leaf ligustrums, or dozen muskogee crepe mytles are showing any signs of damage (just the maples).

What can I do improve the trees' health? Can anything leech the soil of the fertilizer? What is the appropriate fertilizer and application for young maple tree? And when may begin the new application?


Answer
A light application of 10-10-10 once per season should be enough. Hopefully the rain has helped move the salts through the root zone.

Change your watering pattern. You should not have to water daily once the trees establish themselves. Try to water once per week (but then a good long soaking, for example by using soaker hoses). Do not water daily. It will create shallow rooted trees, and too much water can also prompt the signs you describe.

Do not fertilize again for the year and gradually change the watering pattern. Then you should be fine.