Just planted my first tree — a red maple and would appreciate some feedback.
I’m in central Florida and planted this Saturday as part of a landscaping project/ tree giveaway. I tried to do things right: dug a wide hole, kept the root flare slightly above grade, and gave it a good watering after planting. I also added stakes, but I’m not 100% confident I did that correctly.
A few questions I’d really appreciate advice on:
Does the planting depth look correct, or should I adjust it?
Are stakes necessary for a young red maple, and if so, how tight/loose should they be?
Any tips specific to red maples in Florida (soil, watering schedule, sun exposure)?
Anything you wish you knew when planting your first tree?
I’ve attached a photo for reference. Thanks in advance — really want to give this tree the best start possible.
by Working-Yogurt-8738
5 Comments
Really hard to see the bottom of the trunk in the picture. Make sure the mulch is not touching the trunk and crown before the root flair should be visible i think. For newly planted trees stakes are good but you should loosen them a bit so the tree can move a bit. And they will be ready to be removed when the soil is not moving when you rock the trunk bank and forth 6 to 12 inches from the ground level ( found this information in the subreddit).
Looks like it’s a bit deep. Remove some of the mulch around the base of the tree to expose the root flair. If you have to remove mulch and soil to the point where the flair is below the surface, you can pull it out and replant! Also, don’t let the mulch touch the bark, that can cause rot and transmit bacteria. As for the stakes, some people like them and others don’t. Don’t forget to water it too!
Happy little tree! Thanks for planting it. We’ve lost so many trees in my area due to different invasive pests.
Just pull some mulch away from the trunk about 2-3”. Also, before planting a tree it’s always good to tease the root ball to get the roots uncompacted. This makes a massive difference of how the tree will do, once you put it in the ground the roots will grow out exactly how they are when placed. Teasing the root ball helps prevent girdling roots underground where you can’t see them. And also water the root ball very good before placing it in the hole. Florida maples do very well in Florida since they’re native so good choice. Maybe go for a live oak or laurel oak as well for a second tree
It needs a mulch circle. Not mulch to the trunk. It’s gonna rot with the constant moisture the mulch gives.