CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION
After you have selected your maple tree, you need to choose a location which takes into
consideration the light requirements for that particular maple tree variety.
Most Japanese Maples prefer morning sun and appreciate some protection from hot afternoon
sun. This is especially true of the laceleaf dissectums. They also need protection from strong
winds.
In choosing your planting location, you should also keep in mind the ultimate size of the tree. It
may take up to 10 years for your Japanese Maple to come close to reaching its mature height
and width.
PLANTING YOUR JAPANESE MAPLE
Japanese Maples prefer soil that is light, well draining and slightly acidic. If you live in an area
where azaleas, rhododendrons, and dogwood trees grow naturally, it is a good bet that the soil
is ideal for Japanese Maples. If you do not live in such an area, you may want to amend the soil
used for planting with pine bark mulch to improve drainage.
If you have heavy clay soil, you should consider planting your Japanese Maple tree just a few
inches into the ground and mound soil that has been heavily mixed with fine pine bark mulch
around the tree. This will ensure that your tree's roots will get good drainage between waterings.
You should also apply a heavy layer of mulch (approx. 4 inches), using coarse pine bark mulch
or nuggets. Make sure mulch is not piles up around the tree trunk. Keep mulch at least 3" away from trunk,
MULCHING FOR SUMMER DROUGHT AND WINTER COLD
It is important to mulch your newly planted Japanese Maple to protect its roots from drying
summer heat and frigid winter cold. Most Japanese Maples can be grown throughout US
Hardiness Zones 5 - 9. But it is important to realize most Japanese Maple trees are grafted and
they have been grown in containers. This may be the first time the plant has been in the ground
and its roots will need a year or two to become well established. Applying a 2-4 inch layer of
mulch helps protect the plants immature root system. Keep the mulch away from the trunk 3"
inches to keep the trunk from becoming diseased or harboring bugs.
WATERING
Japanese Maples like a consistent amount of moisture. Maples have shallow roots and can dry
out easily, especially newly planted trees. It is important to give your new tree frequent watering.
If you do not have rainfall for about a week, you should water your maple. To maximize the fall
coloring of your maple, you should reduce, but not eliminate, watering in the fall. Also, your
maple should have plenty of moisture as winter dormancy approaches.
FERTILIZING
Japanese Maples are slow growing and therefore do not require a great deal of fertilizing. A
once a year feeding of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is all your tree requires.
STAKING AND PRUNING
You may need to stake your Japanese Maple for the first several years in order to help it gain
height. Some varieties are strong weepers and need to have a leader staked to obtain height and
structure.
You may prune your tree any time of the year, but if you are going to do quite a bit of pruning,
this should be done in winter prior to bud swell. You should prune to suit your taste, starting in
and working your way out to the tips of the tree. Stand back on occasion and look at the tree.
Prune out any branches crossing over others or any that do not add to the structural
attractiveness of your tree. You should also remove any stems that appear below the graft or
sucker shoots coming up from the base of the tree. This is easiest done in winter when
branches are bare. Make sure your pruning tools are clean and sharp.