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Japanese maples make an excellent focal point and can also be grown in a container or as a large plant. There are many varieties and come in different shapes and sizes.
This plant is certainly a beautiful plant and will add beauty wherever you plant it!
Known for their foliage, color and texture, they are the plant most easily recognized by their appearance.
No matter where you decide to plant this beautiful tree, it will improve the location and appearance of the area where you want to plant this tree.
Contents
Basic Things to Know About a Japanese Maple
Areas:
Areas 5-8. Heat should be considered for the effect it leaves on Japanese maples for color. They sell out early in the season.
Height
The height varied from 8 to 30 meters high.
Exposure
Too much or too little can have a negative effect on your Japanese maple, so if you want the best color from your maple, go in the sun or soar part of the day. light at least.
Rate of growth
Japanese maples have a slow growth rate of around 1-2 feet per year.
They generally grow faster when young and slow down once they mature.
However, if you want an established look from the start, go for an older plant.
foliage color
Japanese maples are known for their colors and come in a variety of colors including red, yellow, purple, green, and orange.
Water
Watering your Japanese maples on time is crucial. Although these plants can survive without water for quite some time, you should water them regularly during extreme droughts.
Watering the plants is essential when they are young and try to keep the mulch away from the plant.
fertilizer
A low nitrogen fertilizer is good in the spring, but try to avoid it in the winter as it can affect the color of your tree.
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Where to plant a Japanese maple?
Japanese maples are primarily dwarf plants that you can grow in pots or bonsai.
These attractive trees will turn heads wherever you place them with their purple, gold and orange color.
This tree also gives shadow to understory plants during all three seasons of the year.
Japanese maples ideally need:
1) High wind protection
Japanese maples are quite brittle and dry out quickly in strong winds.
Although this does not mean that you should grow them in completely closed areas, but protect them from strong winds.
2) Well-drained soil
Japanese maples are not very demanding of their soil, but it should not be alkaline.
Try growing your Japanese maples in acidic or neutral soils and combine them with rhododendrons to enhance their beauty.
Another thing to keep in mind when planting your Japanese maple is to not plant them in salty soil.
They have a high tolerance for loose sand and heavy clay, but not for saline soils. If your soil is salty, try growing your Japanese maple in a container.
3) Protection against late spring frosts
Japanese maples are more susceptible to spring damage after winter. Because sudden weather changes cause the leaves to break.
The frost period after the first heat spell can damage your Japanese maple, so keep your trees covered during expected frost to avoid damage.
4) Dappled or evening shade when young
While Japanese maple trees like intense sun, if you see scorched leaves in the summer, it means they are overexposed to the sun, which may not be a good idea for your Japanese maple.
However, if you don’t see a difference on your Japanese maple after a while, that could mean it needs more sun, so feel free to move it elsewhere!
If you like this article, check out our article on The 5 best small trees with non-invasive roots.
Plant maple trees seasonally
Fall
Fall is the best time to plant your Japanese maple, and ideally plant it a month before the ground freezes.
But even if you don’t plant it in time, it can still grow into a beautiful plant. After planting, lay down 3 inches of mulch and continue watering until winter arrives.
Fall is also the perfect time to prune Japanese maple and, as you may know, this plant loves pruning.
It doesn’t require annual pruning, but you should if you see dead or twisted branches.
Spring
Spring is arguably the most vulnerable time for your Japanese maple, so it’s a good idea to keep it covered in freezing weather and get back to your routine once the weather improves.
summer
Summer is the only time you will see pests on your plant. Don’t worry though, they are harmless and can be easily removed with pesticides.
Winter
During the winter, your Japanese maple is more carefree.
The only thing we have to worry about is heavy snowfall and try not to accumulate too much snow around our tree, it could be harmful. Try to brush it, but not too hard!
How to prune a Japanese maple?
If you choose the right maple you won’t have to prune it too much and it will grow in the space you have given your plant and it should have a natural branching structure.
However, if you still feel like your tree is getting too dense, it’s best to thin out the branches rather than cut them.
It is therefore best to go in and remove the branches as close to the trunk as possible to help the Japanese maple maintain its organic structure, which makes it more attractive.
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Japanese Maple Propagation
Have you ever propagated a maple tree? It’s quite a fascinating process that will keep you entertained!
All Japanese maples are grafted onto the same rootstock, which means they all grew from the same seed, no matter what the plant looks like now!
Once the seeds are large enough, different types of maple trees are grafted onto them.
Propagating a maple tree is a time-consuming process, but if you’re a maple enthusiast, keep reading to learn more about propagating a Japanese maple tree.
- Fill a container with potting soil and make a 10cm hole in the center.
- Now take a cutting from your trees about 15cm long. Be sure to use sharp scissors for a clean cut.
- If you see leaves on the branch next to it, remove them.
- Now plant the cutting in the soil you have prepared and place it in a sunny spot.
- Finally, spray it twice a day until the plant takes root. It takes about 3-4 weeks.
Try keeping the propagated plant in a container for a year, then move it to the ground once the temperature rises above freezing.
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How far can a Japanese maple be from a house?
If you plan to plant a Japanese maple near your house, be sure to plant it at least 10 feet away from your house.
Japanese maples are the smallest maple species and if you plant them next to your house they will provide the perfect shade for your patios and other smaller plants.
Do Japanese maples have invasive roots?
Some Japanese maples can grow up to 6 feet tall, but they don’t have overgrown roots.
This deciduous tree forms a horizontal root structure and spreads mostly in the top 24 inches of soil.
The roots have spread to the drip line of the trees and beyond. The roots also make it an ideal plant if you want to grow it in a container, but even if you plant it in the ground, the roots will not form taproots.
final thoughts
japanese maples make an attractive centerpiece when on its own and can also make a great background.
This plant also looks great with all other plants, especially those with similar planting needs.
This tree is not only beautiful but also easy to care for and can survive harsh winters and summers.
This tree adapts perfectly to the 4 seasons and fits perfectly into any garden.
It’s easy to care for, but the one thing this easy-care plant doesn’t like is alkaline soil and salty soil.
Also try to avoid over watering this plant as it does not require a lot of water which can damage your plant.
Japanese maples can survive hot weather and so once the plant is established it does not need to be watered often.
However, if it is a new or younger plant, it is ideal to water this plant regularly to allow it to grow naturally and take on its organic structure rather than forcing its branches to form.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the all-time favorite Japanese maples! Happy gardening!
Before you go, here are some more related articles that I encourage you to read below to help you solve more of your gardening problems:
What are the fastest growing evergreens for small gardens?
How to maintain a Naga Linga tree in your home?
Purple Plum Problems
6 Benefits of Owning a Japanese Maple