Question
4 years ago I planted two crimson maples on the east side of my house.  The southern most tree is growing well, but the northern tree isn't.  Last year the leaves turned red early in late July/early August on the northern tree.  I took several leaves into a local nursery and they felt the tree was in a drought condition and recommended a more rigorous watering program and the use of slow release fertilizer.  This year the southern tree has leaved (no seeds), but the northern tree put on small flowers (normal for this tree) and seeds (this is the first time for seeds), and is struggling to put on leaves.  There are small sets on the ends of most branches (that look limp and sickly) with a few buds but nothing else.  Unfortunately I did use a Scott's turf builder (it might have been a weed/feed blend).  The branches are still and the bark silvery and appears to be healthy.  Is there a problem and what do you recommend?

Answer
Sounds like the Weed and Feed has gotten to the tree. I would water with 1 inch of water every day for a couple of weeks and then every third day. This may help flush the herbicide from the soil. Place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. I would not fertilize for a year this will give the roots time to grow.