

Posted on June 4, 2021 in Garden, Garden Tips
Written by West Coast Gardens
Japanese Maples are a perennial favourite for their bright coloured leaves and elegant shapes. Maple leaves in the yard are like having stained glass outdoors and can create some of the most beautiful garden and patio looks (and I’m not just saying that because we’re Canadian.) With such a variety of colour, size, and shapes, there is a maple tree for every space! If you’re a bit hesitant to jump into parenting one of these beauties, take a look at our helpful care tips and ideas below:
In a lot of ways, Japanese maple tree care is similar to most of your perennial plants in the garden or yard. Here are some of the basics:
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind to meet your Japanese maple tree’s specific care requirements and keep it happy and healthy.
The best time to plant your new maple tree is in Spring or Fall. If you bring home a new Japanese maple tree in the Summer or Winter, just leave it in the grower’s pot undercover until the season is over. Planting your maple in Spring allows the roots to settle before the busy growing season begins. You don’t want to disturb the new buds and leaves on your tree during the Summer and cause your new Maple undue stress or harm. Planting in the Winter can shock your tree’s roots, as they aren’t yet established enough in their new home before the ground freezes or frosts. Aim for Spring or Fall as the perfect planting seasons for Maple trees.
Mulching your maple is a great idea! Add three inches of organic material, such as compost, seasoil or other mulch, around the base of the tree. This will stop weeds from growing and also help the soil to lock-in moisture.
Give your Maple a little bit of extra protection! These trees are happiest when kept out of windy areas and also shielded from heavy frost. This can be done by planting them behind or near one side of your home or a tall fence.
Keep your maple looking sharp and clean with careful pruning each year. The best time to snip those branches is in late Winter before any leaf buds begin to open so that you don’t hinder the Spring growth! Look for scraggly or oddly angled branches on the interior or exterior of the maple. You can shape your maple tree by careful pruning, keeping it rounded in shape, or encouraging width versus height. As long as you make sure to leave the main structural branches of the tree alone, your tree will continue to thrive.
Japanese maples look amazing in big pots on the patio or by the front door. The low, draping varieties especially suit this look! A few things to keep in mind when you are planting maples in pots include:
Overall, Japanese Maples are easy to care for and a fantastic perennial addition to your garden, yard or patio. Their colours will delight all Spring, Summer and Fall. We especially love maples on the West Coast, as the temperate climate is perfect for these beautiful trees. Don’t be afraid to make friends with one, or more, maples to add to your outdoor areas!
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