Question
QUESTION: Hi...
I planted a japanese maple on the eastern side of our home in Georgia  clay and made the hole 2-3 wide and the top of the root ball about even if an inch lower than the surrounding soil. I also mixed about 1/3+ planting mix in with the clay. I have read that the roots are shallow and the top should be exposed for the roots to breathe. Should I  remove the topsoil and replace with bark.

I have read that trees like this in clay soil should be moved upwards and a mound created? This would create a hold deeper than I had originally intended for the plant and I do not want to shock it.  I have watered it generously, but how long should I water it?

Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Larry, If you recently planted it, I would remove it and re-plant it with the top of the rootball 1-2" above your existing soil line.  Just blend your clay with some additional compost to raise it.  They are very shallow rooted and the roots must be at the surface.  With the roots at or below grade, the soil can fill with water and flush out the air.  Elevated, and gravity pulls water down and there is always air in the top roots.  A light coat of mulch is fine after you raise it.  If it's been planted for 6 months or more, I'd still do it, but wait until fall.
You'll need to carefully monitor the water needs for at least the first full year.  It is very easy to over or under water a new plant, but it only takes getting it wrong once.  Check the original rootball, not your surrounding soil, about knuckle deep.  If it feels moist, leave it alone.  Water deeply when you water, but go as long as you can between watering.  Jim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much!!!

I am only sorry I spent so much effort digging (in hard clay) a hole that was not needed!!!

The tree was planted yesterday. Should I wait a day or two for the soil to dry out prior to moving it upwards into a mound?  I have about a half bag of tree and shrub soil mixture w/fertilizer and will mix that in with the clay at a
1:2 ratio.

Does it make sense to extricate the tree (with the aid of a shovel) dig out some of the soil/clay mixture, fill in the hole with clay to slightly above ground level and use the remaining mixture to create a mound a foot or so high with the top of the root ball at the top of the mound or just make new soil clay mixture?

I have some dried mulch that was covering the area and will us that to cover the mound.

Thanks.

Larry Lutzker



I have a diagram off of http://redjapanesemaples.com/caremaintenance.html to follow if you care to look at it and comment.

Does getting a moisture meter....say one for potted plants a good idea to check for moisture in the raised mound going forward?

Answer
Hi Larry, I would dig the hole a little wider and put the clay in the bottom of the hole to raise the ball about 2" above your existing soil line.  Your back fill soil should be about 2/3 clay and 1/3 new organic matter.  I would probably wait for the soil to dry for a day or two, just don't let your maple dry.  Add a little water to the rootball if necessary, while you wait for the backfill soil to dry.  There's no need to raise it as high as the diagram shows.  
I have a moisture meter, but I never use it. Just make sure you check the original maple rootball, not your backfill soil.  Jim