When you play Maokai in laning phase all you have to do is just farm till you can get bami cinder or other items. You will start doing damage later in the game, and LOTS OF DAMAGE. But your a tank don't forget your role as a tank. You can pick things off or engage/disengage for your team. If you get caught just tell your team to run, because they probably can't follow up if they are too far. Unless they are close and you ult and tank all the damage for them. Be sure to know how much damage your team can actually do so you can know if your team can do something or not.