Best Time to Plant Maples?

[l008com]

I have another post going about some Japanese Maples I'm trying to grow.
But this post is about three different trees. I have three green Shantung maples I'm also growing. They are growing much faster and much easier than the japanese ones.

So I'm wondering what is the best time of year up here in Massachusetts, to plant trees? They're still a little small to be rabbit-proof yet, but soon they'll probably be big enough. So I want to plant them and give them enough time to get established before winter comes and the leaves fall off. So that could mean fall but maybe spring? Maybe right in the middle of summer as long as I water them a ton?

Also, do these maples also like shade, like the japanese? Or is it ok to put these guys in direct all day sun in their pots, while keeping them watered, to encourage maximum growth?

 

[Sluggy]

Young Maples like morning sun and afternoon shade. They also do not like too much wind. Once established they can take full sun. If in a windy area stake them. Plant them in the dormant season - Early winter to very late winter.

 

[Meadowlark]

Agree the Shantung maples are easier to grow and maintain than the Japanese maples for me. They like more direct sun than the JM.

As related to transplanting, if they are doing fine in your containers, I would wait until winter to transplant. However, if they are showing signs of needing a new home, then I would transplant. They require a good bit of water until they get established.

 

[l008com]

So all these plant-in-winter suggestions . . . the ground is frozen in the winter, hows that goona work? It would have to be late fall or early to mid spring, depending on how winter goes.
They do seem to be growing very well in their big pots now so maybe by fall they'll be ready to hit the ground.

 

[Sluggy]

Late fall when leaves drop off or early spring after last frost should be OK.

 

[l008com]

My concern about late fall planting would be that the trees not going to grow, so its just going to be sitting on the ground, not really growing in to the ground. But is that not really an issue?

 

[Sluggy]

It will be OK to plant in early fall. Mulch around the tree but do not let it touch the trunk. You can also protect the trunk by wrapping it in breathable tree wrap.

 

[Meadowlark]

My concern about late fall planting would be that the trees not going to grow, so its just going to be sitting on the ground, not really growing in to the ground. But is that not really an issue?

Oh, it is growing roots in the ground while the ground is not frozen...and that is highly desirable.

 

[l008com]

Trees grow their roots even when theres no leaves on the trees?

 

[Meadowlark]

Trees grow their roots even when theres no leaves on the trees?

Yes, healthy trees grow roots without leaves. Sick or energy-depleted trees cannot.

Deciduous trees drop leaves but still grow fine roots underground without the presence of leaves.

 

[l008com]

So when a tree has no leaves, where does it's energy to grow roots come from?

 

[Meadowlark]

So when a tree has no leaves, where does it's energy to grow roots come from?

Tons of articles online describing this process...stored energy.

Here is just one of those:

A Tree Blooms Without Photosynthesis - Delta Worms

A tree blooms without photosynthesis, how? Discover how stored energy, soil biology, and last year’s sunlight power early spring blossoms.

deltaworms.com