Caring For Japanese Maples

Some popular Japanese Maple varieties can be expensive, but they are an investment that will mature into one of the most interesting pieces in your garden. Because of its value and incredible potential, losing a Japanese Maple would be devastating to any dedicated gardener. Under the two major species, Acer Palmatum and Acer Japonicum, there are over 1,000 individual cultivars and new varieties introduced everyday, each one with its own specific needs. It can be very difficult to pinpoint exactly how you should care for you specific tree.Take the time to research which tree you want and its needs. Try to get as much information as you can from the provider about your tree. This article offers a few brief tips about general care for Acers that should get you started in the right direction.
Planting Your Acer
Most Japanese Maples have delicate, deeply lobed leaves that are very susceptible to wind and the hot summer sun. Having the tree fully exposed will certainly lead to scorched leaves and a puny tree. Think of your tree's habit and mature size when planting. You would not want a tree that will be 15' wide in a few years planted too closely to any permanent structure or other trees. Choose a place with plenty of room in a partially shaded place, preferably a spot where your tree can get a nice dose of morning sun and be protected through the harshest part of those hot summer afternoons.
Gardeners will often plant their trees in holes that are too deep and too narrow. Roots need access to oxygen and room to grow. Dig a hole about three times the width of the root ball, and the crown (the place where the roots meet the trunk) should be level with the soil surface. If you have clay soil, make sure to break up the sides and bottom of the hole to prevent water from being trapped and rotting your brand new tree. If your tree was in a container, carefully pull apart the roots to ensure that your tree does not become girdled and strangle itself. Recover the soil to the crown, but do not pack it down tightly--loose dirt allows roots to become established.
Feeding and Watering Your Acer
Japanese Maples love moisture--during the warmer months, especially for the first few seasons, make sure you give your tree a good deep watering about twice a week to help it establish strong roots. An all-purpose slow-release fertilizer is perfect for Japanese Maples. Just work the fertilizer into the soil around the tree at the beginning of the season, and that should be plenty for the rest of the year. Some varieties, especially the dissectum varieties of Acer Palmatum, have very fine dissected leaves. These varieties will probably need a little more water and a little more attention to ensure that the leaves do not dry up and scorch in the summer or freeze in a late frost and scorch. If you suspect a late frost is headed your way, just go ahead and cover your Acers and any other delicates in your garden.
Maintaining Your Acer
If your tree has been properly planted, has established itself, and has developed a strong root system, the only thing left to do is periodic pruning and shaping. Pruning maples is really simple. Remove dead or damaged limbs, and any new growth that appears on the main trunk (allowing your tree to focus its energy on filling out its distinctly beautiful branches). You may also want to shorten long limbs that distract from the overall shape of the tree.
Whether it's a variety of Acer Japonicum or Acer palmatum, given the right care, your Japanese Maple will be stunning. When it comes to Acers, gardeners are always looking for something very specific, and it will be to your greatest advantage to not only consider the tips above, but research your tree and know exactly what it needs to secure your wonderful investment. Whether you are looking for dwarf Japanese Maples or dazzling bright Japanese Maples with fiery colored foliage, make sure you do your homework first, and your new tree will make your garden spectacular for years to come.