GREEN JAPANESE MAPLE TREE HOW TO
GREEN JAPANESE MAPLE TREE FULL

Japanese maples “self stunt,” meaning their top growth will decrease when their roots are confined. Many of the smaller varieties are excellent in containers. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves due to lack of chlorophyll) may occur in high-pH soils. If you live in an area with heavy clay soil, planting them slightly elevated is beneficial this will help guard against root rot and disease. Japanese maples are fairly adaptive, but prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils that contain organic matter. Japanese maples prefer to be in locations protected from strong winds and spring frosts. Either way, make sure there is no threat of frost which can damage a newly planted tree. However, many gardeners also find success planting in the spring. When to plant:įall is an excellent time to plant because it allows the roots of your Japanese maple to get established while the rest of the tree is dormant. Compare the different types of Japanese maples here. Japanese maples offer plenty of diversity.

If this isn’t an option, select a cultivar that has a reputation for being a faster-than-average grower, such as Acer palmatum ‘Beni-otake’. If you want an established look right from the start, you can opt to plant an older, larger maple rather than a young one that may take years to mature. Planting them in a spot where they are happy and caring for them well helps maximize their growth rate. They typically grow fastest when they are young and slow down as they reach maturity. Most Japanese maples grow at a slow to moderate rate of 1 to 2 feet per year.

Foliage color:įamous for their phenomenal fall colors, Japanese maples also present purples, reds, yellows, oranges, and greens as well as variegation throughout the growing season. For best color, most maples need a location with part day's sun or at least high light. Too little light, and some of the more colorful varieties will take on a greenish tone - still attractive, but not the brilliant fall color of reds and purples as would be expected.

Too much light can damage delicate leaves. Providing the right amount of light can be a balancing act. Varieties from 8 to 30 feet tall and wide. They typically leaf out early in the season and a late cold snap can cause serious damage even to mature specimens. Heat is a consideration, especially in the south, not necessarily for the health of the maple but for its effect on leaf color, causing many purple or red-leaved varieties to “go green” in the summer. With such easy care and beauty, nothing is more rewarding than planting a Japanese maple in the landscape.Acer palmatum. You can make small, corrective cuts any time of year. Cut out scraggly interior twigs and branches but leave the structural branches as they are. Pull the mulch back a few inches (8 cm.) from the trunk to prevent rot.Īny heavy pruning should be performed in late winter before the leaf buds begin to open. Cut back on the amount of water in late summer to intensify the fall color.Īdding 3 inches (8 cm.) of mulch helps the soil retain moisture and inhibits the growth of weeds. Apply the water to the root zone slowly so that the soil can absorb as much water as possible. Water the tree deeply in the absence of rain. Caring for Japanese maples in summer is mainly a matter of providing enough water to prevent stress. The trees grow well in almost any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. In addition, growing Japanese maples in a location with more exposure to bright sunlight leads to more intense fall color.

You’ll see less scorching as the tree ages.

GREEN JAPANESE MAPLE TREE FULL

When you are growing Japanese maples, the trees need a location with full sun or partial shade, but planting a Japanese maple in full sun may result in scorched leaf margins on young trees in summer, especially in hot climates. Plant them where you need to add fine texture in the garden. Use upright types as understory trees in woodland gardens. Smaller cultivars are the perfect size for shrub borders and large patio containers. Growing Japanese maples make excellent specimen or lawn trees. This variety is also sturdier in appearance and bears reddish purple flowers in spring. japonicum extends the growing area into zone 5. palmatum is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, A. Most horticulturalists refer to cultivars of Acer palmatum as Japanese maples, but a few also include A.

GREEN JAPANESE MAPLE TREE HOW TO

Continue reading to learn more about how to grow a Japanese maple tree. Japanese maples are noted for their lacy, finely cut leaves, brilliant fall color, and delicate structure. With so many different sizes, colors, and leaf shapes, it’s hard to describe a typical Japanese maple, but without exception, these attractive trees with their refined growth habit are an asset to the home landscape.

Green japanese maple tree