How to Plant a Japanese Maple Correctly | Step by Step for Beginners.
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- Опубліковано 27 лис 2024
- Follow these simple yet crucial steps for planting your Japanese Maple tree (Acer) to give your tree the best start and promote healthy growth and aesthetics.
Selecting which tree to use is the first challenge since there are so many beautiful varieties. It has to work well in the space you have. If you are working with a smaller garden, consider using one of the dwarf maples such as Acer Crimson Queen (Laceleaf Maple), or Acer Red Dragon (Red Dragon Japanese Maple). These have beautiful red weeping leaves that create an incredible focal point in small spaces or courtyards. If you have a larger landscape area to work with, this opens up your options. Acer Bloodgood, or Bloodgood Japanese Maple is a very popular selection. It grows upright with brilliant red classic maple-shaped leaves and does well in warmer climates. Other great options are Acer Sango Kaku (Coral Bark Maple) which has a beautiful unique bark color as the name suggests. Another fantastic option is Acer Oshio Beni which has an upright growth habit with deep red vibrant leaves. Acer Tamukeyama has a deep rich almost purple tone to its foliage and is considered a medium-sized Maple. These are just a few of the tremendous options available. So it's up to you to decide which tree will be best for your space and how the foliage color will play off of the rest of your plants.
And just as important as selecting the right tree, we look at deciding on the best location for your Japanese Maple tree. Location is key to the health of the tree, especially in warmer climates like Southern California. Generally, Japanese Maples prefer to have some protection from hot afternoon sun. So study your space and look at the sun angle. Make sure the delicate leaves are protected from direct sun in the hottest parts of the day.
Now that you got your tree and location, it's time to plant. Japanese Maples like well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In most cases, amending the soil is needed. Mix the amendment about 50/50 with the natural soil from the planting hole. Potentially more if the natural soil is very poor (heavy clay, rocky, etc). If you have hard water, consider adding gypsum which helps leach out salt in the soil. Salty soils can cause leaf burn.
For fertilizer, I generally use an evenly balance blend with the nitrogen count being no more than 10. I like Grow Power Plus because it's also a soil conditioner. After backfilling half way, put the fertilizer in and water thoroughly. Make sure to always follow instructions on the bag!
Now finish up backfilling around the tree and lightly compact around the root ball. I like to use the butt end of the shovel to punch down around the root ball to alleviate air pockets. I then create a small channel around the root ball for the water to sit. Then I water THOROUGHLY.
Maples like to have a layer of mulch (but not directly touching the trunk). Apply a thick layer, 2-3". Mulch helps lock in moisture which is especially crucial for new trees. And it also helps build the top soil as it decomposes which adds nutrients back into the soil. And... it just looks nice!
For purchasing info:
www.budgetplan...
Thanks for watching, and happy planting!
Dom
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Dominic Masiello
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I just bought this tree for my grandmother, but I didn't even look up what's needed or how to plant it. This video is different than the previous ones I watched but it was the best and somewhat simplest way. Now I just hope everything goes well.
Thanks for watchin!
Update???
Excellent under planting choice. I have a bloodgood Japanese Maple with variegated hostas around it which is just as striking.
Sweet! Yeah that bold texture of the Hostas I’m sure looks phenomenal 🙌🙌 Thanks for watchin! 😎
I’ve been wanting to plant one for years! This is the perfect video! Thx
Video is very useful but that tree is going to outgrow that space fast. I reconfirmed chalking an area with measurements of species and how they will develop.
Looks really beautiful!! I have a question though, is that tree and the others not too close to the house?
Good video but would recommend loosening some of those roots so they don't keep growing in circles. Also, some of the top soil should be removed to expose the root flare, as most nursery trees are planted too deep in the soil.
Yes, this is an excellent tip. There are two main reasons for this: A) if a maple has been in the container a while, some of the roots have the tendency to grow in a circular pattern parallel to the container, and this can later choke off other roots, so some may need to be trimmed. And... B) loosening the root ball can encourage growth and quicker adaptation to the new soil and environment.
May I ask what the root flare is
@@Erkkremlinklum I'm not who you tagged, but root flare is where the trunk actually starts to flare and turn into the large base of the root system. You want a bit of that above or at least *at* the surface of the substrate so as to allow it to breathe and stay relatively dry. This is true for almost all Japanese maple species.
and no fertilizer
And dont compact your top layer of dirt "To stop root ball from sinking" ... why would it sink unless you dug to deep and didnt compact the base slightly before planting lol
and 3 times the pot is to assist root spread, not "overkill"
and too close to house/sidewalk, + all those other tree/shrubs. Roots will find their way
so many things were wrong/ignored etc lol
Thanks for this. I’m in the stages of planning what trees are good to be near a foundation. Previous owners have removed quite a few and as I dig I’m still coming across massive root systems right near the house. Not fun.
Oh yeah… Removing root systems… Not fun. So for the most part, Japanese maple roots are pretty non-invasive. That’s good you were doing research first! So many people don’t… As you have found out LOL
Great video which came in very helpful. Won't the tree block out light/view from the window though?
Thanks! This is a dwarf variety so no I don’t have to be concerned about that. It’s been in the ground a few years now and has only gained about eight or 9 inches in height. If it gets to the point where it’s too high I can selectively prune.
Great video thanks for the tips!
My pleasure!! Thanks so much for watching!
@@BudgetPlantsin what area can the Japanese maple be planted
Beautiful Tree. Are you not supposed to loosen roots prior to planting?
Btw, Bellísimo (Beyisimo)
Thank you!! So generally I do not tease out the roots unless they are dense/impacted or showing spiraling. Loosening the roots can introduce air pockets when planting, and you have to take extra precautions. So if it’s an unnecessary step, I skip it!
I'm finding that various websites say to plant my dwarf Japanese maple 10 feet away from the house/sidewalk/driveway. The tree is only supposed to be 6 feet tall at 10 years and the roots apparently aren't invasive. Why such a difference in suggested locations for planting?
Good time to buy one
Very helpful and really nicely presented. Thanks! 👏👍
Thanks for watchin!!
@@BudgetPlantsCheers! I went for it and planted my little sangokaku maple today after rewatching this vid one more time. 🤞🤞Keep up the good work on the channel!
FANTASTIC!! Congrats on taking the plunge… They are beautiful trees and very rewarding. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
nice video - question what's your thoughts on in ground planting with a space against a retaining wall 2x2 area to plant vs potting it.
I’d say in-ground is fine, however it would be nice to give it a little more space for the canopy as it matures. The dwarf Maples definitely do better in tighter spaces, but 2x2 is tight. Maybe look to another more columnar plant.
no mention of root flare needing to be above the soil level, and JMs DO prefer nearly drying out in-between deep watering, so... not sure how much research you did before providing this video to thousands.
My research
Degree in landscape architecture, licensed landscape contractor for 15 years, planted dozens of maples and hundreds of shrubs/trees/perennials. Root ball height mentioned at 2:38. Acer Crimson Queen requires a constant moisture content in the soil, but not soggy. Thank you for helping my algorithm.
I was at a nursery with Japanese maples, and saw a crimson queen but also “red dragon”, “tamukeyama”, and “garnet threadleaf” but they all looked exactly the same. I’m so curious what the difference is.
All gorgeous varieties! The ones you listed are smaller maples that have a more mounding/weeping form. They each have slightly different leaf colors and shape. Some mature specimens can develop an incredible trunk structure. Thanks for watchin!
Thanks for the response! Oh very interesting to know, there’s so many varieties. Just curious, do you have any tips on what to do about June bugs/beetles? Where I live, they will eat the leaves of certain trees destroying them every night.
I wish I had a good solution. I’ve heard of a natural solution of diluted dish soap, mineral oil and garlic made into a spray. Maybe give that a shot, but research ratios :)
I smash 'like' button!
Yesssss!!!!!!!!
Great information
I have about a 48" Japanese Tamukeyama. How far from the house wall/structure should I plant it? Yours looks fairly close. thx!
Hey! I loooove the Tamukeyama cultivar.. they get to about 10-12’ wide, but take a super long time. Actually similar to the Crimson Queen. So yes, I decided to plant mine closer than typically recommended because I plan to keep it maintained much smaller. This can be done very easily since these grow so slow. Mine is only about 3’ from the house. It’s been in the ground for a few years now and it’s doing great. And I personally see MANY various types of Japanese Maples planted significantly closer than the recommended distance from walls and folks just maintain them accordingly. Hope this helps!
Роскошная композиция! Всё грамотно, чётко, правильно 👍
Жаль, что люди, не разбирающиеся в теме, оставляют негативные отзывы...
Why does the crimson queen cost so much ?
Is it safe to plant it this close to the house? Won't its roots compromise the foundation in the long term?
This is a dwarf variety so it will be fine. Some larger Maples can definitely impact surrounding hardscape if planted too close.
@@BudgetPlants Oh geez, sorry I didn't read the comments before asking the exact question. So ignore my questions! 😊
No problem! Better to ask and get the right answer :)
How far away from the moon glow juniper did you plant the maple?
It’s approximately 7’
Did you forget to loosen the roots?
I rarely mess with the root ball of trees when planting, unless there is spiraling of the roots. Loosening up the root ball can potentially cause air pockets when planting which can cause harm to the tree. I know loosening up the root ball is some thing that people swear by, but in my humble opinion, it’s an unnecessary risk when planting.
Can you add osmocote in the bottom of the rootball instead of fertilizer??
Yes. I would do the 14-14-14 slow release one.
Is your tree smaller in height than the blood good maple?
Yes indeed. It’s a dwarf weeping form. Super cool for small spaces.
Would you recommend this tree for someone in Los Angeles who has clay soil?
Clay soil is a tough one. It needs really good amending and I recommend a hole 2.5-3 x the width of the container for clay. Im in LA and I see them quite frequently so they can definitely work. Give them protection from hot PM sun and ample water.
@@BudgetPlants Sounds good. Thank you!
@@BudgetPlants I was told organic soil breaks down over the years not to use it. What other soil can I use?
I have a question if you don't mind, or if anyone wouldn't mind giving me their expertise
So I live in the uk and recently moved house. The gardens over here aren't very big at all, especially the front gardens. I have a winding patch under my window on the front and have planted a couple of Hardy shrubs, azaleas and weigela. I have a plot in the middle that I've saved for a small maple tree. Anyway my question Is, would I he best leaving it In a pot or could I plant straight into the ground? Or would I be best putting thr pot in the ground itself?
Any advice would be appreciated, I'm not green fingered but I do love to see a well kept garden with flourishing plants. Great video BTW
Thanks for watching across the pond! Yes.. Japanese Maples can do very well in pots given there is nutritious and well-drained soil. The pot should be a little larger than the nursery container it came it. Hope this helps.
I thought you should plant about 15 ft away from a house?
Tease out those roots once removed from the pot!
This is kind of a common misconception when planting. The only time this is necessary is if the roots are spiraling/root bound. Otherwise teasing the roots needlessly disturbs the root ball which could cause shock as well as creates air pockets allowing for disease.
Hello there my names mike. I was just curious why the cost of the Japanese maple tree is so expensive ?
Hey Mike,
Mainly because they grow pretty slowly. This is one of the main factors in plant/tree pricing… generally speaking, the slower they grow, the more expensive they are. It takes more manpower, eater, etc to keep plants at a nursery for longer periods of time. There are other of course factors like demand, growing needs, patented plants, etc.
Too close to the house. Crimson queens get very broad. JM are very susceptible to root rot fungus.
Under normal circumstances where plenty of planter space is available.. yes, ideally I would’ve been able to place it a few feet further. But I love this tree, so I will just have to selectively prune it to keep it a bit smaller. JM’s can easily be pruned to fit a space, especially the dwarf varieties. And yes, also correct about root rot.
You are going to have to dig up that tree in a few years because you planted it way too close to the house. It would have been better if you'd planted it in a container that close so it will be easier to remove later. Also, Japanese maples HATE to be waterlogged. They are healthiest when the bottom of the roots have to reach for the water. Keeping them wet will kill the leaves.
you've put in so much water that it wouldn't be surprising if you drowned the roots.
Any organic matter that you incorporate into the soil will decompose in three to five years. The result will be that the soil will subside as the organic matter decays. The result will be that your tree will be planted in a depression that will not drain well and may cause the death of your maple. Do not mix organic matter with the native soil.
If you insist, then mound the soil up and plant your tree about eight to ten inches above the surrounding soil. This is so that after the organic matter decays over the next three years, the tree will end up at ground level.
Adding organic matter is a waste of time, money, and effort.
Over time, your tree will grow and have a root zone twelve feet in diameter or more. How wide do you plan to dig your hole?
The roots are best growing in your native soil.
The maple is going to block your window. Maybe a different location? Be sure not to cover the graft.
Not going to block the window. It’s a dwarf maple which I selected specifically for this location. I wouldn’t mind a slight covering for a bit of privacy as that faces the street.
Way too close to house!
Thats exactly how to NOT PLANT A TREE !! It has so many mistakes to begin with .Good luck with your tree .
I love comments like this ❤️❤️ Been years in the ground now and doin great 😂 Let’s hear how the ‘pro’ would do it.
I clicked off of the video as soon as I saw you putting that tree so close to the house. They should be at least 10 feet away from any structure.
Oh yeah? Tell me more about this rule.. sounds like your a pro!