Question
I have a sun set maple tree. It's about 15yrs. old  This spring the tree developed new growth but the leaves  remain  small and stunted in growth.   We have  4 hosta plants growing at the base of the tree.  Could they effect  the tree growth.  The bark on the tree looks normal.  Any info. will be appreciate. Thank You jim

Answer
The host as are more than likely taking some of the water from the maple roots. Also if the hostas are new you may have damaged some maple roots when the host as were planted. I would water once a week if it does not rain. Water with 1 inch of water- place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch if water in it stop. Also fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter. Scatter the fertilizer around the tree out to where the branches extend and water in good. Apply the fertilizer just before a rain event and you will not need to water it in. This should increase the overall health of the tree. Leave the hostas there if you want to.