Crimson King Maple Saturated Roots: Checking for Life

10-foot Crimson King planted a month ago sat in standing water for a week due to poor drainage. Tree pulled out to dry, now looks dead. Owner asks if recovery is possible.

Check for Living Tissue

1. Start at upper outer branch tips.
2. Scrape bark: green = alive; brown = dead at that point.
3. Work downward until green found or trunk reached.
4. Check multiple branches.

Prognosis

Extended saturation kills roots via oxygen deprivation. If no green tissue found, tree is dead. If green persists, replant in well-drained site, water carefully, and monitor.

Always test drainage before planting: dig hole, fill with water, should drain in hours.