Japanese Maple Trees are one of the most beautiful trees all year long. These trees add a touch of art to any scene with their soft leaves, graceful branches and bright seasonal colour. The Japanese Maple Tree varieties on the market today can be used as a focal point in your front yard or as part of a peaceful garden.
Japanese Maples are beautiful all year long, with their fiery reds, soft greens and golden tones. Because they are easy to care for and come in a range of sizes, Japanese Maple Trees are great for both large yards and small patios or pot gardens.
Why Choose a Japanese Maple?
People love Japanese maple trees because they can be used in many ways and always look good. These trees come from East Asia and stand for beauty, peace and balance. They do well in gardens all over the United States because they do well in mild temperatures.
- These trees are great because they come in a lot of different shapes and sizes.
- There are small, slow growing varieties that are great for small areas and there are also taller, more beautiful Japanese Maple Tree varieties that make great shade trees.
- There are different types of Japanese Maple Trees that grow in weeping, cascading and upright forms.
- This lets people make their own unique landscapes that show off their own style.
If you want trees that look good together, you could put your maple next to a Red Maple Tree and Silver Mapple Tree for year round contrast and colour balance.
Planting & Care Tips
It's not too hard to take care of Japanese Maple Trees once you know what they need. These trees do best in slightly acidic, well drained soil with some shade, especially in places where summers are hot.
- Having morning sunshine and afternoon shade helps keep leaves from getting burned and keeps them looking bright.
- Once or twice a week when it's dry, give your maple a lot of water. This is especially important in the first two years.
- Putting mulch around the base helps the plant keep its moisture, keep the dirt at the right temperature and keep the roots safe.
- Late winter or early spring is a good time to prune the tree to shape it and get rid of any dead or crossed branches.
This will help it keep its beautiful shape and help new, healthy growth.
Step by Step Japanese Maple Planting Guide
If you follow a Japanese Maple planting guide your new tree will get off to a good start:
- Pick out the right place: Pick a spot that gets some shade and has good air flow. Stay away from places with strong winds or straight afternoon sun
- Get the dirt ready: Add compost or other organic matter to the planting hole to make it richer and help water drain better
- Plant at the right depth: Place the tree so that the root flare which is just above the ground
- Water deeply: After planting water deeply to get rid of any air spaces around the roots
- Use the right mulch: Put down a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch but keep it away from the trunk by a few inches
If you follow this Japanese Maple planting guide your tree will have the best chance to grow in a healthy way for a long time
Choosing the Right Japanese Maple Tree Variety
Which type of Japanese Maple Tree is best for you relies on the size of your yard, the weather and your personal preference. There are hundreds of types and each one has its own traits, leaf shapes and colours.
- Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood,’ which has deep red leaves that stay that colour all summer, is one of the most famous types.
- Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ has finely cut leaves and a cascading shape, making it perfect for water gardens or hedges in the shade.
- Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ this tree has bright fall colour and is hardy, so it can be grown in colder areas.
Some great small Japanese maple trees are ‘Shaina’ and ‘Koto No Ito,’ which are great for smaller gardens or fields. They add striking beauty without taking over small rooms.
Understanding Japanese Maple Tree Seeds
You need to be patient if you want to grow Japanese Maple Tree seeds. If you want to try new things in the yard, seed grown maples are great because the leaves can be any colour and shape.
In late autumn, collect mature seeds and keep them in a damp, cold place for 90 to 120 days before planting.
Japanese Maple Tree Care - Tips for Longevity
Proper Japanese Maple Tree care ensures long and healthy life. Here are some very important tips:
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced and slow release fertiliser in the spring after the first flush of leaves. Do not feed too much because too much nitrogen can make the leaves less colourful.
- Protection: To keep young trees from getting damaged by frost in colder places wrap them or put up windbreaks during the winter.
- Pruning: Cut off any weak or dead branches and spread out busy areas to let more air flow.
- Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids and scale insects and if you find any then use organic gardening oil to get rid of them.
If you take good care of your Japanese Maple Tree then it can live for decades and give you beautiful views throughout the year.
Japanese Maple Trees look great with shade loving plants like dogwoods and azaleas at the base to add a touch of softness.
FAQs
What is a Japanese Maple Tree?
Japanese Maple Trees are beautiful trees that come from East Asia. They are valued for their colourful leaves, beautiful shape and ability to be used in many different ways in gardening.
How fast does a Japanese Maple grow?
Depending on the type and the conditions where it grows, most only grow 1 to 2 feet per year on average.
When is the best time to plant a Japanese Maple Tree?
The best times to plant a tree are in the spring or autumn, when the dirt is not too hot or cold and the tree has time to grow roots before bad weather hits.
How do you care for a Japanese Maple Tree?
Make sure the dirt drains well, give it some shade and water it regularly. Protect from strong winds and give a light spring fertiliser.
Can Japanese Maple Trees grow in pots?
Yes, many small Japanese Maple Trees do well in containers as long as they have good ventilation and are protected from extreme temperatures during certain times of the year.
