Maple tree no leaves but vigorous roots

[B.uneasy]

As you can see my maple tree has lost all its roots, and isnt looking so well at the moment. I was wondering if the tree was dying, so i took it out of the container and there are atleast 2 dozen nice white roots. Should i be worried about this tree? It had leaves a month ago, and now its completely bare.

 

[Silentrunning]

B, can you give us a little history on your tree? How long have you had it? What care have you given it? Any info will be helpful so someone can give you correct information.

 

[B.uneasy]

A little older than 5 years old, has lived in the bucket the majority of its life. I root pruned for the first time in the beginning of spring, and everything in the soil pretty much looks healthy. It had several branches with leaves, but i cut most of them off a month ago leaving two branches with leaves on. The remaining leaves started getting crisp at the ends and eventually died off. Especially on maples, wouldnt the roots show signs of distress?

 

[Forrestford]

What kind of maple is it?

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Your best bet going forward is to put it in full shade and ease up on the watering. Don’t overwater, let the soil dry out a bit. When there are no leaves the plant isn’t using nearly as much water so the soil can stay very wet and lead to root rot if overwatered at a time like this.

 

[B.uneasy]

Your best bet going forward is to put it in full shade and ease up on the watering. Don’t overwater, let the soil dry out a bit. When there are no leaves the plant isn’t using nearly as much water so the soil can stay very wet and lead to root rot if overwatered at a time like this.

Just one question, how is keeping it in the shade going to help it?

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Because your tree is probably in the process of dying and keeping it in full sun will only put more stress on an already stressed tree. Usually when a tree drops all it’s leaves it’s roots are stressed. Putting it in shade will give it a rest.