Japanese Maple Care Guide: How to Grow Japanese Maple

Japanese maple tree (Acer Palmatum) is a small deciduous tree that grows as a single-stemmed tree or a multiple-stemmed shrub. Native to Japan, the Japanese maple grows a broad crown with hand-sized maple leaves that have five or seven points. The Japanese maple is known for its fall colors, when the leaf color can turn from golden, to orange, to red, to purple.

Japanese maple blooms in spring, and by summer the foliage is bright with green leaves. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9 and do best in the morning sun with some shade. These trees can be particular when they are establishing themselves but are low-maintenance and hardy once their roots are established.

Japanese maple trees can be planted in early fall or spring. Planting in the early fall gives the tree a chance to develop its root system during its dormancy period. Planting in early spring will make the most of the full sun during spring and summer. As long as you are avoiding frost in the first months of planting, your tree should thrive. Mulching can also help keep the tree’s root system warm in the winter, priming it for a healthy spring growing season.

You can propagate Japanese maple from seeds or softwood cuttings, but it will take a while before you start to see significant growth. The quickest way to grow Japanese maple at home is to buy an already-established shrub from a nursery. Follow this step-by-step guide to planting your own Japanese maple tree, either in a container or in the garden.

1. 1. Buy your tree. Purchase a growing Japanese maple tree from your local nursery. If you want to grow it inside, purchase a smaller one. You can also buy one that’s a bit larger if you plan to plant your tree outside.
2. 2. Choose your location. Decide on whether you want to plant your Japanese maple in the garden or in a container. Japanese maples enjoy dappled light or partial shade, with full sun for at least part of the day and afternoon shade. Choose a location that best suits your Japanese maple's needs.
3. 3. Prepare your soil. Whether you're planting in a container or in the garden, Japanese maples enjoy well-draining acidic soil with some organic matter. If your soil is too dry or has a heavy clay content, use organic potting soil to make your soil healthy. Pre-dig your soil before planting your tree in the garden to ensure it is draining well.
4. 4. Dig a hole in your soil. Dig a hole in your garden or container slightly larger than the root ball of your Japanese maple plant.
5. 5. Plant your tree. Gently place the root ball of the Japanese maple into the hole and fill it with potting soil. Gently pat the soil down to make sure the root ball is firmly in place without packing the soil down. Water your tree immediately.

Once your Japanese maple is established, it can stay healthy without too much regular upkeep. Here are some tips for caring for your Japanese maple.

1. 1. Water your tree regularly. Japanese maples can endure short periods of drought, but they like to be watered regularly. Check the soil to make sure it stays moist and use a layer of mulch to cover the roots to avoid the soil drying out in the sun. Make sure to keep mulch at least one inch away from the trunk.
2. 2. Fertilize your tree after its first year. Fertilize your tree in the Spring using a low-nitrogen fertilizer after its first year to stimulate growth.
3. 3. Prune your tree to make a shady canopy for ground cover. Japanese maples will naturally grow into a desirable shape and don't always necessitate pruning. This is especially true if growing in a container, as the tree will naturally "self stunt" when its root system is constricted. If you want to prune lower branches to create a clear canopy, prune in July and August. Pruning in the fall can result in sap oozing from the cutting which can lead to disease.
4. 4. Monitor your tree for pests. Japanese maples are resistant to most diseases and pests. They are mostly troubled by aphids, mites, borers, and root weevils. Root rot can also be a problem if they are overwatered and the soil isn't draining properly.

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