How to Plant a Norwegian Crimson King Maple
The Norway maple "Crimson King" is a popular shade tree, offering a show of color three seasons of the year. From its yellow-maroon clusters of flowers in the spring to its purplish leaves in summer to the final show of bronze or dark maroon in fall, it can be a focal point of landscaping. Growing to a height of 35 to 45 feet, it does tend to have shallow roots that can cause a problem if grass is sown beneath the spread of the tree. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine whether your region is suitable for a Norway maple. The Norway will grow in planting zones 3 to 7 (see Resources) of the USDA planting zone map.
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Choose a spot for your Norway Crimson King. Keep in mind that the maple will grow to a spread of 25 to 30 feet around when it is mature, and grows best in full to partial sun.
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Dig a hole that is three to four times the size of the tree's container or root ball, and score the sides of the hole with a shovel or pitchfork. This will make it easier for the roots to spread and grow after planting.
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Remove the tree from the container and place it in the hole, taking care not to disrupt the root ball as you move the plant.
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Refill the hole with soil, taking care if adding topsoil or potting soil that you keep at least 50 percent of the original soil. Fill to the original planting line on the tree, patting the soil down gently without compacting.
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Make a ring around the outside perimeter of the filled in hole for water to collect in. This will guide the moisture toward the outsides of the root ball and encourage the root system to spread.
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Water thoroughly until no more bubbles appear on the top of the soil. If the soil drops while watering, add more until the soil line is at the original height.
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Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch over the filled area, leaving a 3-inch ring around the base of the tree.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are planting a tree that is wrapped in burlap or wire, place the tree in the hole before opening the burlap. Natural burlap should be left in the hole; synthetic burlap should be gently slid out from under the tree, because it will not decompose.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit wikimedia commons
