How to Grow Japanese Maple Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Japanese maple tree is a plant that is very popular in Japan. Many people in Japan have a japanese maple tree in their garden. Japanese maple tree is a very beautiful plant. The leaves of japanese maple tree are very small and they are red. Japanese maple tree grows very quickly. Japanese maple tree can grow up to 30 feet tall.

How to Grow Japanese Maple Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Itadori
  • Hakusai
  • Momiji
  • Sango
  • Sakura

Things to Know

  • Japanese maple trees are native to Japan, Korea, and China.
  • These trees thrive in moist, well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure.
  • They are a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to their striking foliage which ranges in color from green to red, orange, and purple.
  • Japanese maple trees are deciduous and lose their leaves in the fall.
  • These trees can reach a height of 15-25 feet and a spread of 10-20 feet.
  • Japanese maple trees are relatively low-maintenance and are not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
  • However, they can be damaged by strong winds, heavy snow, or ice.
  • Japanese maple trees should be fertilized in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • They can be pruned to shape as desired, but pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the tree.
  • Japanese maple trees can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or grafting.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

How to Grow

  1. For japanese maple tree, first step is to find a planting location. Look for an area that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
  2. The next step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  3. Once the hole is dug, place the tree in it and backfill with soil.
  4. Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first few growing seasons.
  5. Fertilize the tree yearly with a slow-release fertilizer.
  6. Prune the tree as needed to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
  7. Protect the tree from harsh winter weather by covering it with a burlap wrap or placing it in a sheltered location.
  8. Check the tree regularly for pests and diseases and treat as needed.
  9. Enjoy the beautiful foliage and fruit of the japanese maple tree for many years to come!

Related plant:
Bloodgood Japanese Maple

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the best type of soil for a Japanese maple is a loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be well-drained, but not too dry. The ideal pH range for a Japanese maple is 6.0 to 7.0.

Light requirement

Just like other Japanese maples, the Japanese maple tree requires full sun to partial shade. The tree does best in rich, well-drained soil, but can also tolerate clay soil as long as it is not waterlogged. Japanese maple trees are relatively drought-tolerant once they are established.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for a japanese maple tree is that it should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree should also be in a humid environment, as this will help the tree to stay healthy and prevent it from drying out.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. The level of humidity in the air is a major factor that determines how often you need to water your Japanese maple. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become stressed. On the other hand, if the air is too humid, the leaves will start to drop.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a light application in early spring, followed by a second application during the summer months. When it comes to root growth, Japanese maples generally do not like to be disturbed, so it is best to plant them in their permanent location right from the start.

About light

Pruning your Japanese maple tree is an important step in keeping it healthy and looking its best. There are a few things to keep in mind when pruning your Japanese maple tree. First, always prune in the early spring before new growth begins. Second, prune so that the overall shape of the tree is maintained and no more than one-third of the tree's canopy is removed. Lastly, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the tree.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done via grafting, although it can also be done from seed. Japanese maples are grafted onto a rootstock of another maple species. The rootstock is chosen for its vigor and resistance to disease. It is important to choose a rootstock that is not too vigorous, as this can overwhelm the graft and reduce its growth. Japanese maple seedlings are also grafted onto a rootstock, as they are not as vigorous as the parent plant.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate are about 10-12 inches a year, but some may even grow 24 inches in a growing season. Japanese maples are one of the slowest growing trees. Many factors can affect the growth rate of a japanese maple tree such as the variety, age, environment and health of the tree. growers can improve the growth rate of their japanese maple tree by providing the optimum environment and care.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. The most common pest is the aphid, which sucks the sap out of the leaves and stems, causing the leaves to wilt and the tree to become stunted.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing a Japanese maple tree from a seed, it is best to start the process indoors. This will give the seedling the best chance to germinate and grow.
  • It is important to plant the Japanese maple tree in an area that receives full sun. If the tree does not receive enough sunlight, it will not grow as well.
  • The tree likes moist, well-drained soil. If the soil is too dry, the tree will not grow as well.
  • When watering the tree, be sure to water at the base of the tree. Do not water the leaves, as this can cause leaf scorch.
  • Fertilize the tree in early spring and again in mid-summer. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
  • Prune the tree in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches.
  • The Japanese maple tree is susceptible

Similar Plants

  • Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
  • Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
  • Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
  • Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
  • Japanese Spindle (Euonymus japonicus)
  • Snowbell Tree (Styrax japonicus)
  • Japanese Evergreen Oak (Quercus acutissima)
  • Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
  • Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum)
  • Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum)

Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Acer palmatum - Japanese maple
Growing Japanese Maples | North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime' (Kiyohime Japanese Maple, Spreading Japanese ...

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category