We have an "arbor board" that's in charge of the planting. It is my inderstanding that the trees that are being selected are specific to the soil for each area. I'm not sure why they've left it up to me to decide where I want them planted and I'm still unsure of the spacing. The following an article taken from the Grand Rapids Press: Lowell: Arbor Day Foundation recognizes city Monday, April 14, 2008By Morgan JaremaThe Grand Rapids Press LOWELL -- The city's trees have fallen on hard times in recent years, but officials say that's about to change. In the wake of years of complaints about too-aggressive tree trimming and removal, the city has earned Tree City USA status from the National Arbor Day Foundation. "What this does is really show our commitment to trees from now on," City Manager Dave Pasquale said. The designation recognizes the city's efforts to improve its image, at least where trees are concerned. Lowell formed an arbor board last year to oversee trimming, felling and planting of trees; passed a tree-care ordinance; and established a tree-planting fund that aims to plant 120 trees this year. The fund includes $25,000 from the Lowell Area Community Fund and $5,000 from the Look Memorial Fund granted. Lowell Light & Power also is contributing two annual payments of $8,026 to the tree fund. State Forester Kevin Sayers said the designation goes beyond being a good public-relations move. "Without this program, many communities wouldn't have any standards at all," he said. Lowell is one of five cities this year to earn the Tree City USA designation. More than 100 Michigan cities hold the designation.

When first introduced (1982?) Autumn Blaze was advertised to be seedless, but we've known for a while now that it's not. Seed production does seem to vary from year to year (my observations this spring are that we're going to have a good year for seeds). I've grown Autumn Blaze seedlings and they were somewhat variable in form and fall color. There are some red maples (Acer rubrum) that are seedless and have good red fall color - Sun Valley is one that does well here.

So what is the answer? Mine is doing the same, SW side, leaves on that side start turning orange yellow in august! White mushroom shelf stuff growing in small places. My neighbor one street over has the same tree. Our houses face the same direction and tree is planted same place. Theirs's is still green. I don't understand. Autumn blaze maples do not always do this. What've I've read is, yeah, it's a goner. But WHAT causes it and WHAT will prevent it. I see plenty of them healthy. Even the garden stores look and say they don't know. Someone has to know. Any ideas would be great or where to go? I know the tree was planted TOO high above ground ---8". So I did infill that with good dirt around 2019 to level it. Perhaps the roots grew up too long since they planted it too high above the soil and just threw mulch on it to hide it. Trees are so expensive to replace. This has been going on for 2.5 years of 4.5 that it's been planted. Soil seems to be fine when checked too.

The top of my autumn blaze maple doesn’t seem to want to grow. It’s 12feet tall and my other autumn blaze is growing just fine. Here are some pics. What do you guys think I should do?