| Re: Sickly Acer
I planted a semi-mature (3.5m high) Acer negundo 'Flamingo' just over 6 years ago as part of a mixed copse of Acers, Birch & various other trees.
Although it was slow to establish itself it is now quite a handsome specimen of nearly 6m.
However, it has had no special treatment (other than regular watering during its first summer and being sheltered from the wind by some of the surrounding trees) and Acers are generally regarded as being suitable for most soils.
My only problems have been susceptibility to scorch on the upper canopy and a tendency to revert so, as with all variegated plants, one has to keep an eye out for any pure green foliage and prune it out.
If your plant has become waterlogged I'd say that could be the cause of your problems - it is said that more houseplants are killed by over-watering than by lack of watering! However, it's not usually a problem with garden plants but if the drainage in your chosen location was poor that certainly wouldn't help.
The only other thing I can think of (apart from the points made by the other posters) is what was the condition of the rootball? If it was pot bound you would need to 'tease' out some of the roots prior to planting in order to give it a good chance of establishing itself.
Finally, the planting hole is also important with any young trees/shrubs or indeed any plant. For trees a hole of at least twice the size of the rootball is recommended, with a good soil mix being used for infill - I'd suggest mixing in some leaf mould, bonemeal and, if drainage is a problem, some horticultural grit.
Good luck with it - I do hope it survives.
Jeff  |