Time sensitive question- Tamukeyama laceleaf japanese maple

Question: Hi! I just bought a nice sized maple and I wonder if it's too late to plant it in the ground.
In one week low temperature will be below zero.
Many thanks!

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.  Replied October 22, 2024, 9:59 AM EDT
response: Hello Valeria, That's a great question because those end-of-season sales are hard to resist. That is a beautiful, healthy looking tree you bought!  The short answer is, yes you can definitely plan that tree now. But this would be the last week to do so.  UNH Extension website says,"Planting in the fall has some of the same benefits as planting in the spring. Temperatures are typically cool, causing plants to lose less water through their leaves due to transpiration than they would in hot weather. This makes it less likely for plants to experience stress, and more energy can be directed to root production. When the air temperature drops below that of the soil, shoot growth ceases and roots continue to develop until the soil dips below 40℉. Additionally, the fall tends to see significant precipitation, which also helps woody plants become established. A healthy, well-established root system goes a long way towards ensuring vigorous growth in the spring. " https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/08/fall-good-time-plant-trees-shrubs The National Arbor Day Society says: "Planting in the fall gives trees an extra growing season before the stress of summer. The combination of cooler temperatures and fall rain allows trees to establish their roots, making it easier on them to adjust to extreme heat or drought in the summer.  Many people fear that young trees can’t withstand the winter. However, that’s not the case. Trees go dormant in the winter, the equivalent of hibernation. This “sleep” state slows down the tree’s growth, energy consumption, and metabolism. It’s safe to plant trees until the ground is frozen solid, generally after the first hard frost. Even if there is snow on the ground, if you’re able to stick a spade into the soil, it’s still okay to plant. When trees are dormant, they shouldn’t require any extra care." https://arbordayblog.org/treeplanting/why-its-great-to-plant-trees-in-the-fall/ The same UNH Extension website also says, After planting, new trees and shrubs should be watered thoroughly and consistently, applying enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of eight to ten inches at least once a week. Continue watering until freezing temperatures arrive." https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/08/fall-good-time-plant-trees-shrubs I recommend mulching the area around the tree to the diameter of the drip line. Fall mulching preserves heat that will keep microbes, earthworms, and other life active and thriving in the soil longer to improve the soil condition. The insulationing mulch provides will also help moderate temperature swings that can damage tender roots, especially those of newly planted plant material. You can use shredded bark, wood chips, pine needles, cut grass or chopped leaves to a depth of 4 inches.  Unfortunately, this also provides a great place for pests such as mice to overwinter. If you can, wrap the truck of the tree with paper tape to prevent the critters from nibbling the bark. Then in the spring, you can remove the mulch and the paper and your tree should be ready to go! Monica

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 24, 2024, 2:35 PM EDT
response: Dear Monica, first of all thanks so much to dedicate some of your time to reply to my message!I followed you suggestions :)Added some dry leaves around the roots before filling up with soil. I am also planning to layer some mulch on top, I'll wait until tomorrow or Sunday morning, as on Sunday temp will go down to 30F. Luckily we we still have a few days above freezing next week.I also added some milorganite to add some acidity to the soil .Watered quite a bit.Yet, I am worried. Many leaves are falling. It doesn't look like a very happy tree. I truly hope it will survive!Again, thanks a lot! I really appreciate your help!Best,Valeria On Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 9:59 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: