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Care of Japanese Maples

Congratulations on your Japanese Maple!

We’re excited that part of our family can now be part of your family. You now have a living plant to care for. Do this first:

  1. Remove the plant(s) from the box and take off any plastic around the pots.
  2. Water thoroughly after shipment.
  3. If trees are in leaf, place them in shade until ready to plant.
  4. Japanese maples are outdoor plants—don’t keep them indoors.

If you’re in a colder zone and local plants are still dormant, trees from us may leaf out sooner. Decide when it’s safe to place or plant outdoors in your area. We can hold trees at the nursery if arranged before shipping; otherwise care is your responsibility once shipped.

Water container plants regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Our potting mix can dry faster than other mixes—use the finger test to decide when to water again.

Planting Japanese Maples

Most Japanese maples thrive in shade to morning sun with afternoon shade. Some handle full sun in Zone 8; in Zone 9, provide protection from hot afternoon sun (with a few exceptions that tolerate full sun).

They dislike “wet feet.” In boggy spots, build a raised bed so roots drain well.

Dig a hole about 1.5× the container width to loosen surrounding soil. Plant at the same depth as in the pot—too deep leads to poor performance. You may need to backfill some soil before setting the tree.

Soil amending is usually unnecessary. Maples adapt to sandy or clay soils; heavy amendments can slow establishment.

For more information on soil type for Japanese Maples, click here:

https://mrmaple.com/pages/what-soil-should-i-use-for-my-japanese-maple

Container Growing Japanese Maples

Japanese maples’ non‑invasive roots make them ideal for containers and bonsai. Containers bring color and form to decks, patios, poolside, and driveways. Tree size scales with container size; dwarfs often reach near landscape size in pots. The best tip: use a well‑drained mix and pot.

Steps

  1. Choose a cultivar suited to your light (sun or shade).
  2. Select a container with good drainage; add extra holes if possible. With a single drain hole, a 1–2 inch gravel layer can help.
  3. Match soil to your watering habits. Regular irrigation: more perlite (e.g., standard potting mix). Less frequent watering: add peat to retain moisture. Keep the root collar level with prior soil and leave 1/2–2 inches at the rim for watering.
  4. Add a shallow‑rooted companion like small sedums to shade the soil surface.
  5. Water based on the finger test—water when the mix feels dry.
  6. For small pots (< 3‑gallon), check roots every 3 years in winter and root‑prune to about 3/4 volume if crowded. Large containers can go 7–8 years. Alternatively, up‑pot or plant out.

Watering Japanese Maples

Provide consistent moisture with good drainage. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Frequencies vary by soil and climate—use the finger test to learn your tree’s rhythm.

For more information on Japanese Maple tree watering, click here:

https://mrmaple.com/pages/how-to-water-your-japanese-maple

Fertilizing Japanese Maples

Less is more. Maples prefer low nitrogen. If you fertilize, choose a product with N ≤ 15 and apply lightly in early spring only; stop by June 1. We don’t recommend fish emulsion.

Pruning Japanese Maples

Thoughtful pruning can improve vigor by directing energy into stronger structure. Prune in spring and sanitize tools with rubbing alcohol.

Steps for Pruning

  1. Remove larger unwanted branches early (use a saw for > 3/4 inch).
  2. Thin out twiggy, congested growth to encourage stronger shoots.
  3. Eliminate conflicting or crossing branches—choose the best‑placed limb.
  4. Uprights: maintain a central leader. Laceleaf/dwarf: accentuate the natural layered form.
  5. Fix “fishtails” by removing the middle of three small terminal shoots.

Pruning isn’t required, but following these tips can speed growth and improve form.

For more information on pruning, click here:

https://mrmaple.com/pages/how-to-prune-a-japanese-maple

Make Healthy Roots For Your Japanese Maples

For more information on making healthy roots for your Japanese Maples, click here:

https://mrmaple.com/pages/make-healthy-roots

Frost and Late Cold Snaps

Cover young plants during late frosts or spring cold snaps with cloth (not plastic). As trees mature, frost impact lessens. If foliage is damaged, apply a liquid fertilizer like Miracle‑Gro every 2–3 weeks until new buds form to help recovery.

For more information on frost and cold snaps, click here:

https://mrmaple.com/pages/protecting-your-japanese-maple-during-a-cold-snap

Stressed Japanese Maple

*For stressed trees, apply Super Thrive at the label rate (available at many garden centers). It supplies nutrients and hormones that support recovery.

Transplanting A Japanese Maple

Transplanting means moving a tree already in the ground to a new spot (or into a container). Move during full dormancy (no leaves) for best success; avoid moving leafy trees.

After transplanting, use a fertilizer with vitamin B or kelp to stimulate feeder roots that may have been disturbed.

For more information on transplanting, including tips from Matt and Tim, click here:

https://mrmaple.com/pages/tips-for-transplanting-japanese-maples