I just planted my bloodgood. It's about 7 ft tall. This area gets morning sun, and is then in the shade from about 1 pm to 6 pm, and then the setting sun really brings out the colors.

This has been in the ground only for a few days now. I'm a little concerned about our winter winds, and I will likely build some kind of frame / wind screen to put around it over the winter time until I know if it is liking its space.

The other concern I have is about the soil. I did everything the nursery told me to, but I'm still a little worried about the possibility of the soil not draining well enough and drowning this beautiful tree. Any advice on the signs that the soil is too wet?

I have 2 related questions:

1) From what I have read, some are planting these somewhat above ground. The people at the nursery said not to do this. Any thoughts on this?

2) From the pics here, any suggestions or novice mistakes I have made?

You can check out the pics here:

http://gallery.mac.com/tjchermack#100026

Otherwise, this tree really gives the look I am going for in my garden and I think it is just beautiful! I really hope it works!!

Tom