Planting Maple Tree?

I want to plant a young maple tree in my yard in the coming weeks and wanted some advice. I have read several threads on this and other forums, but need some clarification/ help.

How much will it affect the transplanting if I wait until after the buds have opened to plant a maple? The reason for this is I wanted to see how the leaves looked before buying a tree from the nursery. I know the preferance is to transplant when the trees are dormant, but with our non-existant winter this year (Vancouver), will it make much difference now if I wait a few more weeks?

Do you recommend staking the tree when planting this time of year? It will be on a slight slope in my yard with moderate exposure to the elements. If so, how long should I leave it staked? 6 months, 12 months?

I read one suggestion that the tree should face the same way (Example, compass direction north), in my yard as it did in the nursary. How much should I worry about this?

Look forward to your comments,

 

Late spring after leafout is a very good time to plant Japanese maples, nothing to worry about as long as you can give it some water during dry spells in the first year. (The major period of root growth occurs after leafout).

As for staking it depends on the tree in question, the site, etc, but usually not needed.

Good advice in principle but who takes a compass to the nursery? Mainly this is said to protect the trunk/stem from sunburn. As long as you take note of the direction of the strongest sun in the planting position and orient the maple such that the leaves shade the trunk you will be ok.

Hope that is some help, happy growing.

 

Thanks for the reply Maf,

Is the idea that the side of the tree that has grown up in the sun is more resistant than the side that has always been in the shade?

I ask because the spot I want to plant it is in full sun and there is not much shade to be had.

 

Usually side branches will have grown towards the sun and the leaves on these branches protect the trunk from the sun in this direction. As long as the plant has relatively even branching and leaf cover on all sides it wouldn't matter what orientation you planted it.

Just realised I answered with reference to Japanese maples in particular, when you asked about maples, but the advice should still hold. Most Japanese maples can handle full sun in Vancouver as can most North American maples.