Acer Japanese Maple Care

Japanese Maple Quick Facts:

Japanese Maples are small, deciduous trees native to the Far East. In Japan, they are known as 'Kito,' symbolising calm, peace, and rest. Planting one is like welcoming Autumn as a friend.

The formal name for this stunning tree is Acer palmatum, named by Swedish Botanist Carl Peter Thunberg in the late 1700s for its hand-shaped leaves. The Enkan variety is especially popular due to its spectacular red-orange and deep red-purple foliage in Spring, Summer, and Autumn. It’s a perfect choice for most gardens, offering easy care and visual impact.

Planting Japanese Maple Trees

Choosing the right spot is key to ensuring your Japanese Maple grows strong and healthy. In the wild, they grow under the woodland canopy, so they prefer dappled sunlight and shade. Avoid direct summer sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Japanese Maples thrive in slightly acidic, well-drained, sandy soil. To test drainage, dig a 12” hole and fill it with water. If it drains in under 6 hours, you have excellent drainage. Slower drainage (6-12 hours) is moderate, and over 12 hours indicates poor drainage, which may not be suitable for your Maple.

When planting your Japanese Maple:

• Remove the tree from its pot
• Dig a hole twice the depth and three times the width of the root ball
• Expose the tree's root system by removing some excess compost
• Mix organic compost with the soil from the hole
• Plant the tree, filling in the soil to eliminate air pockets
• Firm the soil, but don’t over-compact it
• Use a supporting stake if necessary
• Water thoroughly after planting

For the first two years after planting, water regularly so the soil stays damp (but not waterlogged). Mulch around your tree every couple of years with well-rotted compost or manure.

Re-potting Japanese Maple Trees

Japanese Maples can also thrive in pots. If you're keeping yours as a potted plant, re-pot it into a larger container within a year. The ideal time for re-potting is between October and March when the tree is dormant.

The Acer Little Princess is a wonderful small variety suited for containers. It has a compact growth habit and delicate leaves that change with the seasons, adding year-round interest to your garden.

Tips for Re-potting:

• Water the soil thoroughly an hour before re-potting
• Loosen the soil around the pot edge and carefully remove the tree
• Add extra soil to the bottom of the new pot before planting
• Use loam-based compost (we recommend John Innes No. 2)
• Ensure the soil is not packed too tightly to allow oxygen circulation
• Water well after re-potting, and keep it well-watered for several weeks

Feeding and Mulching

If grown in a pot, feed your Japanese Maple twice a year (Spring and early Summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Mulching around the base of your tree in Spring or Autumn helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.

Pruning Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples like the Enkan variety require very little pruning. It's best to leave their natural, graceful shape untouched. However, trimming off dead or crossing branches in winter can help maintain a tidy appearance.

Winter Care

For potted Japanese Maples, roots can freeze in winter. Protect them by wrapping the pot in bubble wrap or moving it to a sheltered spot.

For more tips or to explore our full range of Japanese Maple Trees, visit our online store!