Question
We planted a maple sapling about 3 years ago in our neighbors' yard (it's a rental house, and we're trying to make our street more attractive).  I've noticed that the leaves are looking yellow-green rather than deep green, and I'm seeing red coming through already even though it's only July here in SE Michigan.  I looked at the trunk, and there's a "bruise" most of the way around it; we're guessing somebody whacked it a couple of times with a lawnmower.  The bark is pucky and feels soft.  What can we do to help this tree recover?  We put a fertilizer stake about three feet away, and I watered it for a long time last night.  What else can we do?  Should we paint the bark with something?  I'd hate to lose this one.  Thanks.

Answer
If the cut is all the way around the trunk then the chances of survival are low. I would mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches of mulch--this will keep lawn mowers and string edgers away from the trunk. I would water about 1 inch of water each week _put a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Painting the wound will slow the healing process so that is not recommended. There is a tree wrap that may help. Check with the local nursery and ask for a tree wrap -this will help keep out insects and disease and hold moisture in. Beyond that there is not much that can be done to aid the healing process.