Caring for Newly Planted October Glory Maple

Your newly planted October Glory maple (Acer rubrum 'October Glory') needs consistent establishment care, and the brown spots suggest a leaf spot fungus.

Watering (Critical First 2 Years)

• 1 inch per week (rain + irrigation) during growing season.
• Deep, infrequent watering beats frequent light sprinkling. Use a soaker hose at drip line until soil is moist 12–18 inches deep.
• Check soil—dig 4–6 inches; it should be moist, not soggy.
• Mulch 2–3 inches in 3-ft ring (keep off trunk).

Leaf Spot Management

• Sanitation: Remove infected leaves when dry. Rake/dispose of all fallen leaves.
• Avoid overhead watering—wet foliage spreads spores.
• Fungicide (if needed): Apply at bud break next spring.
  • Copper fungicide or mancozeb (same as Phyllosticta control).
  • 3 applications at 2-week intervals.

Establishment Tips

• No fertilizer first year—root growth > top growth.
• Stake only if unstable; remove after 1 year.
• Protect trunk from mowers/string trimmers with mulch ring.

Consistent moisture and good sanitation will get this tree off to a strong start.