How To Grow and Care For Japanese Maple Tree
By Mlbrun Team | On 21 April 2024 04:28 AM
The Japanese maple, part of the Sapindaceae family, breaks away from the usual image of towering maples. These elegant trees, growing to heights of 15 to 20 feet, are great for smaller gardens or container cultivation, appealing to people with their beautiful features.
One of the most striking features of this tree is its leaves, which come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some cultivars have deeply lobed leaves, while others have delicate, thread-like leaves. The colors range from green, red, and orange to purple, yellow, and even variegated.
Native to Japan and East Asia, this beautiful tree has become a beloved addition to many gardens worldwide. These trees are relatively easy to care for but require well-drained soil and protection from the hot afternoon sun. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique tree to add to your landscape, a Japanese maple tree is a great option.
When To Plant Japanese Maple Tree
The ideal time to plant your Japanese maple tree is in spring when the soil warms up, and temperatures begin to rise steadily. This timing allows for optimal root establishment before the onset of summer's heat.
However, if you live in a region with mild climate conditions, consider planting at least a month before the ground freezes in late fall. This early planting gives the tree sufficient time for initial root growth before entering winter dormancy.
Where To Plant
Japanese maple are more shade-tolerant than other deciduous trees and grow best in a sheltered, shady spot, such as the shade of larger trees on woodland fringes. Thus, look for a location with some taller trees that will create dappled sunlight. Avoid areas where strong winds could damage their delicate leaves, causing them to appear torn and messy.
How To Plant
Japanese maple trees are best planted in hardiness zones 5-8, as they are more cold-hardy than heat-tolerant. Before planting, incorporate compost into the soil and create a mound if the soil is heavy or retains water. Then, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Place the tree in the hole and backfill with a mix of native soil and compost, tamping gently to remove air pockets. Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first year when the trees are young.
For ground planting, consider varieties like Bloodgood and Acer palmatum. However, these trees are greedy feeders, so it's essential to work compost into the soil before planting.
Planting Japanese Maple In Container
Choose especially dwarf and slow-growing varieties, such as Acer palmatum and Bloodgood. These varieties are ideal for container gardening and can even be cultivated as bonsai, offering a miniature version of their natural elegance. They also provide the ability to control their growth, making them suitable for those living in apartments or townhouses.
Use a heavy-material pot that is about twice the size of the tree's root ball and has adequate drainage holes. Opt for soil such as potting compost for growing azaleas or ericaceous plants, which is slightly acidic. Another suitable option is a loam-based compost with added sharp sand for good drainage.
Avoid using regular potting soil with added fertilizers or soil from the garden bed, as it can be too heavy for the maple when planted in a container.
Japanaes Maple Care
The Japanese maple demands proper care to thrive. While it can tolerate some sunlight, excessive direct exposure may lead to leaf burn and a fading of its colorful foliage. So, it should be grown in filtered sunlight, preserving its characteristic reds, oranges, and purples and ensuring that the foliage remains vivid and stunning.
- Provide dappled or afternoon shade, especially for young trees.
- Water deeply in the absence of rain, and reduce watering in late summer to intensify the vibrancy of fall colors.
- Prune only in the dormant season, removing any shoots that grow from the base of the plant.
- Protect from strong winds and extreme temperatures.
Light Requirement
Unlike mature trees, young maples require a more nuanced approach to sunlight. These young plants are like sensitive seedlings still establishing their root systems and adapting to their environment. Their leaves are more susceptible to sunburn and leaf scorch under harsh, direct sun exposure.
Begin by providing filtered sunlight right after planting to replicate its natural forest environment. As the tree grows and establishes a stronger canopy and root system, it will become more resilient to direct sunlight. Consequently, you can gradually expose it to direct sunlight for specific periods.
Soil
While Japanese maples add a touch of elegance to any garden, their soil preferences require some extra attention. They need soil with good drainage that is slightly acidic. To meet this requirement, you can either amend your existing soil with compost or use an ericaceous mix specially formulated for acid-loving plants, such as these maples.
Both loamy and sandy soils work well, but it's important to avoid overly alkaline soil, as it can inhibit nutrient uptake and stress your tree. Keep in mind that even poor soil can support these maples, but expect slower growth and potential health issues.
Watering Japanese Maple
While mature maples are champions at handling dry spells, it's important not to neglect them entirely! During droughts, provide a deep drink less frequently, allowing the water to reach their thirsty roots.
On the other hand, newly planted maples are slightly delicate and require consistent moisture, especially in hot weather. Water them regularly, ideally every 2 to 3 days, but be cautious not to create a soggy mess. "Aim for deep watering that penetrates the soil, nurturing the roots, and promoting wholesome growth.
Temperature
These maples are sensitive to extreme heat and cold, preferring only a cool to moderate climate. During their growing season, provide temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, when exposed to cold temperatures, protect them from harsh winds and freezing conditions.
Similarly, these trees require moderate humidity levels between 40-50%. During dry periods, mist the tree's foliage regularly. You can also place a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the tree. Avoid exposing the tree to direct heat sources, such as heaters or vents, as they can dry out the air.
Fertilizer
Japanese maple trees do require fertilizer, but not in large quantities. They are not heavy feeders, and using too much fertilizer can actually be detrimental. Wait at least a year before applying fertilizer. When spring arrives and before the new leaves emerge, feed them with a balanced fertilizer. This will provide the tree with a boost of nutrients for the growing season.
Choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for Japanese maple trees or other acid-loving plants. These fertilizers will have a lower nitrogen content, which is important for maples. If you are unsure of how much fertilizer to use, start with a half dose and see how your tree responds.
Mulching
The easiest way to regulate the soil's moisture level around this maple tree is to mulch it. Spread a 3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your tree, extending it to the drip line. Be sure to leave a 2 inch gap around the trunk to avoid excess moisture and potential disease issues.
This approach helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and keeps weeds in check, fostering a healthy root system and promoting a vibrant Japanese maple tree.
Pest Control
These trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can harm their health and appearance. One of the most common diseases is caused by fungal infections, such as canker, which can attack through bark damage, leading to sap oozing from the bark.
Other insect pests that can damage Japanese maple trees include Japanese beetles, mealybugs, and borers. These threats can cause significant damage to trees, resulting in lace-like patterns on the leaf tissue surrounding the veins. In severe infestations, the tree may exhibit a scorched appearance.
Regular treatment with either chemical or organic pesticides, coupled with the removal of fallen leaves, is essential for mitigating these issues.
Pruning
Trim your maple trees when they are fully dormant, typically between November and January. Pruning at other times may weaken the tree, leading to sap bleeding from the cuts. However, if the trees are still young, pruning in September can be ideal, as it encourages the growth of a strong vertical shoot that can later be trimmed back to a side branch.
When pruning, prioritize the removal of dead, diseased, and damaged branches, along with any crossing branches or those growing inward or in the wrong direction. To manage the tree's spread, consider removing lower limbs and separating layers.
Propagating Japanese Maple Through Seeds
The seed propagation process for Japanese maple trees begins by collecting ripe and healthy seeds in the fall. After gathering the seeds, it is essential to inspect them for firmness, plumpness, and freedom from damage or disease. Once the selected elite seeds are identified, they undergo a spa treatment, which includes stratification to break dormancy.
This is the simplest method, but it's also the slowest and least likely to produce a tree identical to the parent.
Steps
- Collect seeds in the fall when they turn brown and dry.
- Stratify them in moist sand or peat moss in the refrigerator for 3 months to simulate winter.
- Sow seeds in spring in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist.
- Germination can take several weeks to months.
Propagating Japanese Maple Through Softwood Cuttings
The best way to prepare Japanese maple cuttings for propagation is to take a stem cutting from a healthy tree in early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 6-8 inches long and originate from the current season's growth. Plant it in a container and keep the cutting consistently moist; roots will develop in a few months.
This method is more likely to produce a true-to-type tree, but it requires more care and attention.
Steps
- Take cuttings in late spring or early summer from new, green growth.
- Each cutting should be 6-8 inches long with at least 2-3 leaf nodes.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist and humid.
- Rooting will take several weeks.
Types Of Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
This variety is a vigorous deciduous tree that can grow up to 6 to 8 feet tall. This tree is known for its dark red to black leaves, which turn a brilliant red in autumn. Its slow-growing nature and cascading branches make it a perfect choice for smaller containers.
Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'
Also known as the Laceleaf Japanese maple, this variety is a low-growing tree with delicate, finely cut leaves. It typically reaches a height of 6 feet and boasts a stunning display of yellow to orange foliage in the autumn. Its lacy foliage and cascading form make it a prized ornamental tree.
Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Garnet'
This variety is a low-growing tree, reaching about 6 to 7 feet in height. It features very fine, slit leaves and is characterized by its bright red shoots and dark red to black-red leaves, which transform into a vibrant red hue in the fall. This tree is cherished for its elegant and striking appearance.
Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream'
A captivating low-growing tree, the Orange Dream can reach heights of 9 to 13 feet. It is distinguished by its initially golden orange leaves, which transition to a somewhat greener shade over time. During the autumn, this tree displays a beautiful yellow color, adding a warm and cheerful touch to any landscape.