Japanese Maple Trees - Varieties, Care and Problems

One of the most popular ornamental trees, the Japanese Maple or Acer Palmatum come in a huge range of varieties (cultivars) and range from taller growing types (up to 5m depending on condition) to dwarf species that will reach around 1m. Many grafted types are available.

One of our favorites is Acer Palmatum disectum 'Seiryu' an upright green tree with finely dissected foliage that reaches around 4m with a classic vase like shape. For a smaller growing tree, Acer Palmatum 'Waterfall' has an attractive weeping habit and is an excellent choice next to a pond, or as a feature in the garden border.

An excellent choice for brillianr red autumn foliage is the Japanese Maple pictured right 'Acer Palmatum Trompenburg'

Forms include both upright and weeping types, foliage in generally green or purple changing to reds and yellows in autumn when these beautiful trees put on a great display of color before winter. Acer palmatum Atropurpureum 'Bloodgood' is an outstanding purple foliage form. Acer palmatum 'osakazuki' is an excellent choice for brilliant Autumn foliage.

VARIETIES
With so many varieties available for sale, and in a range of sizes from bare rooted seedlings through to advanced specimens prices will vary greatly. It is best to select the characteristics you require before looking at individual cultivars so consider:

Although 'Japanese Maples' are originally from Japan (and China) many cultivars have been developed over the years, some with Japanese names, other with botanical names.

CARE and PROBLEMS
In general care of these plants is not difficult , they require a humus rich moist but well drained soil. Protection from the extremes of the hot afternoon sun and hot drying winds or strong coastal winds is preferable. When planting, we suggest digging some well rotted compost and manure into the soil 3-4 weeks before, secure the young plant with a supporting stake which can be removed once the tree has established a good root system. Newly planted maple trees can be watered in with a seaweed fertilizer which will help promote root growth.

PRUNING
Japanese maples need little to no pruning, dead, damaged or diseased wood can be removed using a clean pruning saw

GROWING IN CO NTAINERS
As many species are smaller growing, these wonderful trees are well suited to growing in containers, they will require some extra care. Watering will be needed during dry periods and fertilizer will be required each year during active growth, a slow release fertilizer ever 2 months is usually adequate. Japanese maple trees are a favorite as a bonsai specimen.