Question
Hi, I bought a Bloodgood Japanese Maple tree from a local nursery in Dec. 09 and planted it in the ground. I followed the nursery's directions explicitly when preparing the soil and planting the tree. I used an acid poting mix to ammend the native soil and planted my Maple in a raised bed to avoid water accumulation around the roots. We had a pretty wet winter. This spring when the ree started to get new leaves only half the tree actually sprouted leaves. Now 3 months later the branches that did get leaves are starting to have the leaves dry out from the tips and some branches are actually drying out and dying. Please help!

Answer
It sounds like you did all of the right things. However, the symptoms you have described indicate that the roots were saturated due to poor drainage. Despite amending the planting hole, drainage can still be adversely affected by the subsoil. If the subsoil is comprised mainly of clay, the roots have a hard time establishing through the clay. Once they become immersed in water, the plant can no longer absorb nutrients and oxygen. The result is discoloring of foliage and leaf drop.

If my assessment is correct, the only solution is to transplant the tree to a different location with better drainage. A good test is to dig the planting hole and fill it completely with water. If the hole does not drain completely within 10 minutes, the tree must be planted in a different location.

I wish you the best of luck since I realize these trees are not inexpensive. Most reputable nurseries will take the tree back within 6 months. It may be best to contact them first and see what they are willing to do. If they refuse to replace it, I would definitely relocate it.

Best regards,

Mike