I planted two young Japanese maples this spring. One leafed out green and beautiful and the other has done nothing. My friend told me that can stay dormant the first year planted so not to dig it up. Is there a way to tell if it is dead or dormant, or should I just wait until next spring to see if it leafs out? Thanks!
Kmisschuck It's not dormant if: A slight tug pulls it out of the ground or pot. It's as brittle as a toothpick You lightly scratch a stem and there is no lively green coloring. No harm in giving it another year but I don't think your tree could make it through a summer without any leaves at all. My condolences.
I scratched it and no green, and it is pretty brittle. :( Oh well, better luck with the other tree. Thanks for the advice! It makes OK yard art as a dead tree :)
K, Consider replacing it. Fall is an excellent time to plant and now you're discovered the great resource that is UBC.
