QuestionI live in Northern VA. Three years ago we bought a 15 foot maple tree from a local nursery (Ithink it is a red maple- but cannot find the original papers). We planted it ourselves following the instructions given by the nursery. Although it continues to grow (quite tall)it has always looked sickly with dull, small, limp leaves. I keep it sprayed because of Japanesse Bettles, I do a slow drip water for 45 minutes daily when dry, I put bark/ mulch around the base. It does have a whiteish looking trunk and small brown spots on leaves but not tons. It just looks like it is dying of thirst. Stay limp even after a rain. Our soil is very rocky. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? I hate to scrap it because it is getting bigger just not very pretty. Thanks for any help!
AnswerI would recommend that you fertilze it. I would use a fertilizer like a 20-10-10. This will give the tree the amount of elements it needs. Here is a web link that will give you information on how to fertilize and the amount to use and the time to use it based on the tree size. http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/trees/h1035w.htm
