How to Select & Care for Your Japanese Maple Tree

Japanese Maples are beloved for their stunning foliage, graceful structure, and adaptability to various outdoor settings. They can serve as a focal point in any East Bay garden, providing beautiful colors and elegance year round. In the mild climate of the San Francisco East Bay, these trees will thrive when properly selected and cared for through the seasons.

Selecting the Right Japanese Maple

1. Understand Your Space: Before you choose a Japanese Maple, consider the size of your garden space as well as its relationship to sunlight throughout the entire day. Japanese maples come in many sizes, from smaller weeping varieties to larger upright forms. If you have limited garden space, or you are looking for a container plant, opt for a dwarf variety or patio size tree.
   
   
2. Sunlight Requirements: The majority of Japanese Maples prefer some amount of partial shade during the day, especially on hot summer afternoons. Providing shady relief for your tree will help prevent leaf scorch and preserve its leaf color intensity. Look for locations in your garden that receive filtered sunlight, such as under the canopy of larger trees or near a structure that casts a long shadow. Some varieties will tolerate extended sun exposure, but always confirm this attribute before purchasing.
   
   
3. Soil Considerations: Japanese Maples thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Observe your planting area for drainage patterns. If water tends to pool after heavy rains, you may need to amend your site with well-aged compost or create a raised bed. Ideally, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0 to 7.0). If you need to acidify your soil a bit, blend in some potting mix that’s made for acid-loving plants.
   
   
4. Variety Selection: There are numerous varieties of Japanese Maples, each with unique leaf shapes, growth habits and seasonal color patterns. The choices can seem endless when you’re first learning about these popular ornamental trees. Research the characteristics of the ones that suit your aesthetic as well as your growing conditions.

Planting Your Japanese Maple

1. Timing: Though East Bay weather is relatively mild year round, the optimal time to plant a Japanese maple is in the fall or in the early spring. This allows your tree to establish a strong root zone to withstand the extreme heat of summer or the deep chill of winter.
   
   
2. Basic Planting Process
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. The hole’s depth should be the same as the root ball itself.
• Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil. You do not want the tree’s lower trunk to become buried under the soil as this can lead to disease around the base of your tree.
• Backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
• Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
• Place a three inch, donut-shaped layer of mulch around your new tree to help retain moisture. Remember to leave a few inches of space around the trunk base to help it stay disease-free. 

Caring for Your Japanese Maple

1. Watering: Japanese maples require consistent moisture, especially during the first few years after planting. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In the East Bay, you will likely need to water more frequently during the hot summer months.
   
   
2. Fertilization: Fertilizing your Japanese maple can help promote healthy growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can encourage new growth that may become damaged during winter storms.
   
   
3. Pruning: Many Japanese Maples grow quite successfully without any regular pruning. But if you want to make some small cuts, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Focus on removing dead or crossing branches and thinning out dense areas to improve air circulation. Cut very lightly and avoid heavy pruning as Japanese Maples generally have a delicate structure. If you are dealing with a seriously overgrown tree, consider hiring a professional arborist to restore your tree’s shape so you can maintain it more easily.
   
   
4. Pest and Disease Management: During the warmer months, keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, scale, and spider mites. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, watch for signs of fungal diseases, such as leaf spots or powdery mildew, and ensure your tree has good air circulation to minimize these risks.

Find the right Japanese Maple for your garden at Evergreen Nursery.

At Evergreen Nursery & Garden Center we carry one of the largest selections of Japanese Maples in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Our friendly staff will help you select a tree that will enhance your outdoor space for years to come, whether it’s a patio with container plants or a larger garden landscape. Plus, our team will make sure you have the right garden supplies, garden tools, and soil amendments to help your new tree thrive. Visit us today!