Question
4/24/09

I just planted 2 Japanese Red Maple Trees (dwarfts)(planted about 2 days ago).  They are now about 5 ft. tall.

I read the root system can sometimes lift up sidewalks, etc.  I planted them very close to our concrete walkway and now I'm wondering if they are too close too it (maybe would lift it up later on).  One tree is only a few inches from walkway and the other is about 10 inches away.

I also have heard sometimes Japanese Red Maple trees can damage sewerage system.


I WONDER IF I SHOULD TRANSPLANT THE TREES ELSEWHERE (also if it would hurt the trees).  I also read be careful not to damage root ball if you must transfer the trees.  I love these kind of trees but one man that lives down the street said he did have sewarage problems (because of his Red Maple trees at one time).

Please respond.

Thanks.  

Answer
Sounds like they are too close to the walkway--when mature this tree has a spread of up to 15-20 feet. The limbs will be a problem if the roots are not/ Being this close to the walkway I would thin you would have some roots problem with the walkway. Sewer lines if the sealed type are not usually a problem. All tree roots will seek water and if the line has a leak then the roots could get into the line. The could be a problem over septic lines since these are more open type. I would not be too concerned with the sewer lines.

Moving and transplanting trees.

Deciduous plants may be moved in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground, up until the time when new foliage is partly unfurled. In the fall, they may be planted once the leaves start to turn color up until the ground freezes.

When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible. Deciduous trees that are only 3-4 years old may be moved with their roots bare.

Deciduous trees  can be successfully moved only if a ball of soil is left around the roots. The exposed roots should be protected with moist burlap or newspaper or with polyethylene sheeting. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.

Size of the root ball and size of the hole:

For deciduous trees and shrubs the soil ball should be:

Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter

For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.

Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not pile up on the trunk. This will help hold the moisture around the roots. Water every third day for the first couple of months then once a week with 1 inch of water--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this if it does not rain.