On Wed, 8 Apr 2009 16:58:34 +0100, geoff1132204
wrote:


Hi all,

I am a VERY inexperienced gardener, in fact, it would be safe to say,
my hands have never planted a bulb! The extent of my endeavors has been
to drag the mower back and forth occasionally when the missus gets her
gardening head on (shes the green fingered one). Last year we moved
into our new house, and there was a very pretty little tree in our
garden, about 2-3 foot high, that had bright red leaves. I was told, by
someone who supposedly knows their stuff, that this was a young maple.

I seem to remember that it grew these pretty red leaves very early in
the year, but that could just be my poor memory. The thing is, this
year, there is nothing at all so far. I cant even see what look like
the beginnings of leaves, or buds.

In fact, the whole tree looks rather dead to my very ungreen eyes, and
my missus is all for yanking it up. I'd like to give it a chance yet.

What time of year should maples start to show their leaves? and how can
I tell if this tree has died? If it has, I want to replace it with
exactly the same before too much more time passes.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks....
G

Here in middle TN, the maples are just now waking up. Sounds like you
have a red maple. I just planted one on Sunday. I adore red maples.
Hope yours wakes up.

Kate