Two Crimson King Maples. One flourishing - the other not!

Back in February, I planted two 16 foot Crimson King Maples on either side of the bottom of my driveway. As spring arrived, they both started growing leaves at the same time.

Now, in July, one looks great with a full thick set of leaves and lots of new shoots and branches. But the other seems to have had it's pause button pushed. It has much less leaves, and the leaves it does have aren't as fresh and crimson as they should be. The fact it has leaves at all leads me to believe it's not dead, but it really just does seem stuck - it's growth is not noticeably progressing any further. Is there anything I can do? I used some fertiliser when I planted them - should I add more at this stage? Any tips appreciated!

 

I think if the soil is OK the only thing I would be adding is water.

Even if you are getting some rain, it might well be dry lower down, I know it is around here.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I thought that might be the case and I've been giving it lots of water, though maybe i should give it more!

I don't think I planted the roots too deep, and I tried not to compact the soil too much.

I've recently read about watering stakes - do you think they are worth giving a go?

 

Phizz, lets have some pics. The soil on one side of the drive can be totally differant to that on the other side. As can moisture/nutrient levels.

 

Phizz ... you yourself know what is different from one planting position and the other
Think about it and then let us know what you yourself think