How to Grow Japanese Maple Trees
Japanese Maples are beautiful trees that look great in many different landscape designs. There are more than 450 different types of Japanese Maples available. For the best results it is recommended that Japanese Maples trees are planted as seedlings. Japanese Maple seedlings are either red or green in color.
Items Needed:
- Japanese Maple seedling
- Shovel
- Planting soil
- Tree stakes
- Water
- All purpose plant fertilizer
- Consider the planting location. In moderate climates, the Japanese Maple can be planted in a location that receives full sun. In hot climates, the Japanese Maple needs to be planted in a location that is partially shaded.
- Prepare the soil. Japanese Maples do not grow well in normal soil; they require a soil that is slightly acidic. A planting soil designed for gardenias has the proper acidity to make a Japanese Maple thrive. When planting, make a mix of 75% planting soil and 25% soil taken from the hole the Japanese Maple will be planted in.
- Support the seedling. Use temporary tree stakes to support the thin branches of the Japanese Maple until it grows larger.
- Water properly. The Japanese Maple requires a lot of water. Give the Japanese Maple a deep watering on a regular basis. Deep watering also gets rid of salts in the water and soil that may be harmful to the Japanese Maple.
- Fertilize the tree. Japanese Maples require fertilizer for optimal growth. The best fertilizer for this type of tree is an slow-release, all-purpose food for plants.
- Keep your tree pruned. The Japanese Maple needs dead branches removed in order to keep growing. The best time to prune a Japanese Maple is in the fall or winter.