Question
QUESTION: I have 6 maple seedlings in 6" pots, some Norway, some Red, and some
unknown.  I live at 2000 ft in Santa Cruz, Ca.  Should I have planted the
seedlings out in the ground by now?  How should I replant into a bigger pot if
I want to give some away? They have been in the pots for 3 years and their
stems are 1/4" and about 9" tall.  Up until this year they have been fine, but
one now has rust colored spots, and another has brown tips, as though a
layer of leaf is being eaten by a grasshopper or something.  
Thanks!  Lila

ANSWER: I would wait until the leaves have dropped for the winter and than transplant them out where you wait them to grow. Dig the new hole twice the size of the pot and plant the tree with the pot soil in the hole filling with good top soil. Mulch with not more then 3 inches of mulch and water. Maples transplant easily and survive well after they have gone into dormancy.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: any thoughts on the blemishres on the leaves?

Answer
The leaf spots are caused by a fungus. There are many leaf spot fungi but since all can be controlled by about the same fungicides it is not necessary to ID which fungi your maple may have.

In order to be effective, the proper fungicide must be applied as a protectant before the fungus spore is disseminated to the leaf. Most leaf spot fungi infect trees early in the spring just as the leaves are unfolding. Successful control usually requires two to three spray applications. In general, the first spray is applied at bud break and the second seven to 14 days after that. A third spray might be necessary, particularly during rainy periods. The more rain the more frequent the spray applications must be.


Some recommended fungicides for control of leaf spot diseases are: chlorothalonil (Daconil 2787 or Bravo), fixed coppers, mancozeb, maneb and zineb.

Since many of the leaf spot fungi overwinter on fallen leaves, one cultural method of reducing the severity of leaf spots the next year is to rake and destroy all old leaves under the tree.
Check with your local nursery for one of these fungicides.