How to Plant a Crimson King Tree
The Crimson King maple, also called the Norway maple, attracts landscapers and enterprising homeowners for its showy foliage. In the spring, it flowers with yellow and maroon blooms while in the summer it flourishes with feathery, maroon-tipped leaves that turn bright yellow or dark purple in the fall. Adult trees can reach 50 feet in height and stretch 35 feet wide in the canopy. Gardeners prize them as showpieces and shade trees, though they tend to compete with lawn grass and their up-thrust roots can make lawn maintenance under it difficult. Plant a shade-loving ground cover or fast-spreading moss beneath its canopy instead of trying to save your grass. You could also set garden benches, a hammock or wooden lawn furniture under your Crimson King to create a serene outdoor sitting space. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Transplant Crimson King maples in early spring after the ground thaws. Most saplings need a time without extreme heat or cold to establish themselves. Planting after the last frost or danger of snow gives your tree the chance to spread its roots freely to support rapid upper growth later in the season.
-
2
Plant your sapling in an area with well-drained soil. Crimson Kings tolerate partial shade to full sun, but you should take into account how large these trees grow. Pick a space in full sun with no overhanging trees, roofs or electrical wires.
-
-
3
Dig a hole about 4 inches more shallow and three times as wide as the sapling's root ball. For instance, if the root ball is 10 inches long and 8 inches wide, dig a hole 6 inches deep and 24 inches wide. This allows the roots to get enough oxygen and nutrients from the topsoil to thrive.
-
4
Remove the sapling from its pot or coverings and untangle the roots gently, making sure most of the ends are separated from the ball. This ensures the roots will grow outward instead of circling around in the shape of the pot.
-
5
Set the tree into the hole, making sure the trunk is vertical. Cover all but the top 4 inches of the roots closest to the base of the trunk. Water around the tree until the soil is very moist but not soaked. Water it every three or four days until the April rains start.
-
1
