Cultivars by Name
Growing a Japanese Maple
- What type of soil should I use for my Japanese Maple?
- When do I fertilize my Japanese Maple?
- How should I water my Japanese Maple?
- How do I prune my Japanese Maple?
- Growing Japanese Maples in Hot Climates
- Growing Japanese Maples in Cold Climates
Maintaining a Japanese Maple
- How do I protect my Japanese Maple from Frost?
- What should I do about Frost damage on my Japanese Maple?
- How should I treat Spider Mites on my Japanese Maple?
- How can I remove Japanese Beetles from my Japanese Maple?
- What can I do about Aphids on my Japanese Maple?
- How should I treat Powdery Mildew on my Japanese Maple?
- What is causing spots on the leaves of my Japanese Maple?
Japanese Maple Common Knowledge
- How do I stake my Japanese Maple?
- What are some tips for Grafting a Japanese Maple?
- What are some tips for Growing a Japanese Maple?
- Tips for your Japanese Maple Spring Garden
- Introduction to Garden Design
- Common mistakes that may kill your Japanese Maple
- Spring Gardening Checklist for Japanese Maples
- Fall Gardening Checklist for Japanese Maples
Growing a Japanese Maple
What soil should I use for my Japanese Maple?
Japanese maples are very adaptable to almost any well-draining soil. Good drainage is one of the most important aspects of your soil. Here at MrMaple, we use a 80% Pinebark | 15% Peat | 5% Perlite mix. Along side of this mix we also introduce Micromax Nutrients. Try your best to avoid soils that are high in Nitrogen going into the fall, since this may cause your plant to not go into dormancy or have a very late dormancy.
When do I fertilize my Japanese Maple?
One of the questions you should ask yourself when debating about fertilizing is; do I want my plant to grow right now? If Fall or Winter is upon you, we greatly advise you to NOT FERTILIZE your Japanese maple! The absolute best time to fertilize your Japanese maple is in the early Spring when your plant is about to be putting on new growth. We also recommend to not fertilize after the end of May.
How to Water your Japanese Maple
The proper watering process for Japanese maples is a very important key to growing a successful specimen! Ideally you'll want to have a good-draining soil. Once this has been established it's advised to water your Japanese maple, let it dry out completely, and then water again. Continuous overwatering of your Japanese maple WILL introduce root rot to your plant. If your Japanese maple is showing crispy or dying leaves outside of the Fall or Winter months this is a very good indicator of an overwatering problem that needs to be addressed ASAP!
How to Prune your Japanese Maple
Pruning is a very important step in maintaining your Japanese maple. One benefit of pruning is encouraging new growth. It's very important to not over-prune! Typically you want to only prune when it's advised to fertilize, from early Spring to around the end of May. Be sure to give this video a watch for correct pruning techniques and locations!
Growing Japanese Maples in High Heat Zones
Japanese maples typically are pretty heat tolerant, however there are certain varieties that are extremely heat tolerant such as our Heatseekers Series.
One of the most important variables to manage for your Japanese maple is the hot afternoon sun. Here at MrMaple we almost always advise protection from the sun when it's the hottest, around 1-3PM. If you're not sure of what USDA Zone you're located in, please refer to our blog post going over how to find your Zone.
Tips for Growing Japanese Maples In Cold Climates
Maintaining a Japanese Maple
How to protect your Japanese Maple from frost
Frost can be extremely damaging to your plant, it's very important to do as much as you can to set your plant up for success. DO NOT cover your plant in plastic, especially clear plastic, as this will cause more damage than good to your tree. Here at MrMaple we use frost cloth to protect our specimens that aren't under the protection of a greenhouse. It's advised to stake the frost cloth around your maple if it's not well established as extra weight ontop of your plant may result in broken branches. If you're able to, bring your plant inside!
What to do about frost damage on your Japanese Maple
The best way to deal with frost damage is to never have any in the first place, preventative care is the best type! If your plant already has frost damage, fear not we're here to help. Directly after the frost damage has occurred, wait about a week and then introduce some liquid fertilizer to the affected plant to encourage new growth. DO NOT prune your tree during this time, you may damage healthy nodules that could be hidden under frosted leaves. We also recommend that you water your tree well directly after a frost.
How to treat Spider Mites on your Japanese Maple
One of the main signs of spider mites is having webbing around the leaves of your plants. Spider mites typically target unestablished plants or stressed plants. You can test for spider mites by getting a piece of printer paper, putting it under the leaves of your plant, and shaking your plant gently. If you see red dots on the paper, you indeed have a spider mite infestation. The best treatment for spider mites is a light insecticide soap, you should spray this on the top & bottom of the foliage.
How to Remove Japanese Beetles on my Japanese Maple
The best solution for a small infestation of Japanese beetles is to manually pick them off and dispose of them. However, female Japanese beetles will leave pheromones on the plant, which may attract males back to the plants. To resolve this secondary issue, get mildly soapy water and spray down the plants that housed the beetles to wash away the pheromones.
As a last resort option for larger infestations or if the above tactics didn't resolve the issue, you can use insecticides. In the past we've had good results from using spectracide triazicide for large infestations. Always follow the safety procedures for whatever insecticide you plan on using. Once again, ensure you spray mildly soapy water on the plants you used the insecticide on afterwards to clean any left-over chemicals off.
What can I do about aphids on my Japanese Maple?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause serious damage to Japanese maples. Typically green or black in color, aphids feed on the sap of the tree and can often be found on the underside of the leaves. When an infestation is present, the leaves may yellow or discolor, and new growth can be stunted.
When dealing with an aphid infestation, it is important to take action quickly. The best way to do this is to use a combination of physical and chemical controls. In terms of physical control, it is crucial to regularly inspect the tree and remove any aphids that are discovered by hand. Horticultural oil, insecticidal soaps, and neem oil can also be used as chemical control and can be applied as needed.
What To Do About Powdery Mildew On Japanese Maples
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect Japanese maples. This disease can cause the leaves of the tree to turn yellow, brown and become covered in a white, powder-like layer.
First, it is essential to maintain your Japanese maple tree’s health by making sure it receives enough water, sunlight, and fertilizer. Keeping an eye on the soil moisture levels and making sure the tree is not too wet or too dry is also important. Pruning and removing dead or diseased branches on a regular basis can also help reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Second, it is important to keep your Japanese maple tree free of debris and other objects that can harbor moisture. This will help to reduce the chances of powdery mildew developing. Furthermore, regularly cleaning the area around your Japanese maple tree can also reduce the risk of disease.
Third, you can also use fungicides and other treatments to help prevent and treat powdery mildew. These treatments can be applied in the early spring or late fall, and should be reapplied after rainfall or when the humidity levels are high. Always follow the directions on the label and wear gloves and a face mask when applying any treatments.
What is causing spots on the leaves of your Japanese Maple?
There are many causes of spots on the leaves of your Japanese Maple. Firstly watering from the top down on your plant while it's too hot or sunny out is a main cause. However, a few years ago there was an abundance of research done on this exact topic. The study concluded that leaf thrips are the main cause of spots on your Japanese Maple. These bugs get on your plant during the spring and spray a fungus which houses their eggs, which don't hatch until later in the season. Typically these bugs prey on plants that are either showing signs of stress or that aren't well established yet. If your trees are neither stressed or young and you're still seeing spots, in the early spring to mid spring you can treat your maples with insecticide, such as spectracide.
Japanese Maple Common Knowledge
How to Stake a Japanese Maple
We recommend staking your Japanese Maple in the early Spring, around this time your plant will have higher levels of sap and be much more flexible. Here at MrMaple.com we have Staking Guns which allows us to put bands around the tree and bamboo pole efficiently, however this isn't needed at all. Any straight pole will work for staking, and instead of the staking gun you can use and re-use kitchen twist ties. It's highly recommended to stake weeping and laceleaf varieties, as it will promote a more upright growth habit in your tree!
Top 5 Grafting Tips
#5 - Root Stock Preparation by Encouraging White Rooting
#4 - Sharp Knife and Safe Hands
#3 - Sterilizing Utensils & Clean Workspace
#2 - Start With Healthy Rootstock & Scions
#1 - Don't Over Water
Be sure to checkout the video & our blog post going over the steps above!
How to Graft Japanese Maples & Ginkgos
Blue Ridge College visited for a tour & propagation class at our Nursery in Western North Carolina. We hope that this video will inspire anyone to get out there and try their hand at grafting and propagation. Whether you're a novice or an expert at propagating Japanese maples, we're sure you'll enjoy this propagation demonstration by Matt & Tim!
5 Tips for growing Japanese Maples
#5 - Weedeaters
- Weedeaters are very prone for stripping the base of trees! Be sure to convey to any landscaper working on your property to be aware of your Japanese maples, they're very susceptible to being damaged. An easy solution is to place a tomato cage around any young tree on your property.
#4 - Weedkillers
- Avoid weedkillers being spray in the vicinity of your Japanese maple. If you are spraying weedkiller ensure you follow the instructions, spraying when it's above a certain temperature may cause it to spread further than the initial spray zone.
#3 - Fertilizing your Japanese maple
- Fertilizing is a great way to push new growth on your Japanese maple. You want to ensure you're not over fertilizing, look out for a good distribution rate. We recommend a fertilizer with 15 or lower on Nitrogen. Fertilizing during the optimal time is also very important. We recommend to not fertilize until Spring and before May.
#2 - Don't plant Japanese maples too deep in the soil
- Japanese maples enjoy having a good oxygen flow from the roots of the plant. Planting your Japanese maple flush with the top of the soil from the container will ensure a good depth.
#1 - Good drainage
- Having good drainage is an essential key for growing a successful Japanese maple. Japanese maples don't like wet feet, especially in containers. Never leave your Japanese maple in water without providing the water a way to drain. Overwatering & poor drainage WILL cause root rot in your Japanese maple, which may cause irreparable damage to it.
5 Tips For The Japanese Maple Spring Garden
#5 - Protect your plants from Cold Snaps!
- A cold snap is a warm spell of weather followed by low temperatures, such as 60 degrees into 15 degrees the following night. Being informed is the best way to prevent damage to your trees, always be up to date with the weather in your area. If you're able to bring your plants inside we recommend doing so, alternatively you may also cover them with frost cloth to protect them.
#4 - Protect your Japanese maples from frost
- Make sure you don't use plastics to cover your plants, always use frost cloth or bed sheets.
#3 - Watch out for rootstock growth!
- Typically in the early spring you may see rootstock growth. Rootstock will grow from below your grafting point on the plant.
#2 - Spring is a great time to fertilize your Japanese maple
- Japanese maples normally push out growth once in early spring in then once in the summer. We advise you to fertilize in the Spring, and never after the end of May.
#1 - Get your cameras ready!
- Spring is a great time to enjoy your garden! Japanese maples are extremely vibrant in the early spring, be sure to take some pictures & post them to our Facebook group!
Garden Design with Bryan & Bubs
#5 - Avoid overcrowding
- Planting your specimans too closely will cause your plants to compete with each other. Ideally you want to give each plant enough room to grow.
#4 - Utilize more species than only Japanese maples!
- Conifers are a great way to bring color to your landscape, even throughout the winter! Not only that but they're also extremely low maintenance!
#3 - Mulching
- Mulching is a great way to add not only appeal to your garden but also to benefit your plants! Mulch allows your soil to not get too hot from the Sun. It'll also help with moisture control and weeds!
#2 - Determine your soil conditions before your plant!
- If there's one thing that will give you issues while growing Japanese maples, it's non-draining soil! You want to ensure your soil drains well, one way to do this is to dig a hole and fill it up with water. Note how long it takes to drain, if you come back the next day and there's still water in the hole you'll want to either aerate or even add rocks underneath your plant to promote drainage.
#1 - Choose the right plant for the location
- In the Japanese maple world, there's a plant for everyone. In this example we're showcasing a dwarf Japanese maple, Rhode Island Red, and also the larger version, Bloodgood. Depending on how much space you have in your garden, we suggest selecting the right size plant!
Who Killed The Japanese Maple Podcast
Spring Gardening Checklist for Japanese Maples
Tips for Growing Japanese Maples in the Fall
Fall is a great time to plant your Japanese maple!
- Planting in Fall allows your plant to establish their roots in the ground before Spring, which is when it'll push out new growth. Allowing your roots to have time to get established will promote better results come Spring time.
Don't fertilize during Fall months!
- When you fertilize your plant will begin pushing new growth. If you do this during the Fall months your plant may think Spring has started and it'll attempt to go into leaf.
- Aphids — What can I do about Aphids on my Japanese Maple?
- Cold Climates — Growing Japanese Maples in Cold Climates
- Common Mistakes — Common mistakes that may kill your Japanese Maple
- Fall Checklist — Fall Gardening Checklist for Japanese Maples
- Fertilizing — When do I fertilize my Japanese Maple?
- Frost Damage — What should I do about Frost damage on my Japanese Maple?
- Frost Protection — How do I protect my Japanese Maple from Frost?
- Garden Design — Introduction to Garden Design
- Grafting — What are some tips for Grafting a Japanese Maple?
- Growing Tips — What are some tips for Growing a Japanese Maple?
- Hot Climates — Growing Japanese Maples in Hot Climates
- Japanese Beetles — How can I remove Japanese Beetles from my Japanese Maple?
- Leaf Spots — What is causing spots on the leaves of my Japanese Maple?
- Powdery Mildew — How should I treat Powdery Mildew on my Japanese Maple?
- Pruning — How do I prune my Japanese Maple?
- Soil — What type of soil should I use for my Japanese Maple?
- Spider Mites — How should I treat Spider Mites on my Japanese Maple?
- Spring Checklist — Spring Gardening Checklist for Japanese Maples
- Spring Garden Tips — Tips for your Japanese Maple Spring Garden
- Staking — How do I stake my Japanese Maple?
- Watering — How should I water my Japanese Maple?
What can I do about Aphids on my Japanese Maple?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause serious damage to Japanese maples. Typically green or black in color, aphids feed on the sap of the tree and can often be found on the underside of the leaves. When an infestation is present, the leaves may yellow or discolor, and new growth can be stunted.
When dealing with an aphid infestation, it is important to take action quickly. The best way to do this is to use a combination of physical and chemical controls. In terms of physical control, it is crucial to regularly inspect the tree and remove any aphids that are discovered by hand. Horticultural oil, insecticidal soaps, and neem oil can also be used as chemical control and can be applied as needed.
Growing Japanese Maples in Cold Climates
Japanese maples can be grown successfully in colder USDA hardiness zones with the right precautions and variety selection.
- Choose cold-hardy varieties — Select cultivars rated for your zone. Many Japanese maples are hardy to Zone 5 or even Zone 4 with protection.
- Mulch heavily — Apply a thick layer of mulch around the root zone before winter to insulate roots from freezing temperatures.
- Use frost cloth — During late spring cold snaps when new growth has emerged, protect tender foliage with frost cloth. Never use plastic.
- Plant in a sheltered location — Choose a spot that is protected from harsh winter winds, such as near a building or fence.
- Bring container plants inside — If your maple is in a container, bring it into an unheated garage or shed during the coldest months to protect the roots.
- Watch for late spring frosts — A cold snap after warm weather is particularly damaging. Monitor the forecast and protect your tree if temperatures are expected to drop suddenly.
Common mistakes that may kill your Japanese Maple
Avoiding common pitfalls is key to growing a thriving Japanese maple. Here are the most frequent mistakes gardeners make:
- Overwatering — Japanese maples do not like wet feet. Continuous overwatering will introduce root rot. Always let the soil dry out between waterings and ensure good drainage.
- Poor drainage — Never plant or leave your maple in soil that retains standing water. If needed, add rocks under the root ball or aerate the soil to improve drainage.
- Fertilizing at the wrong time — Never fertilize in late summer, fall, or winter. Fertilizing at these times can prevent dormancy or encourage tender new growth that will be damaged by frost. Only fertilize from early spring through the end of May.
- Planting too deep — Japanese maples need oxygen at their roots. Plant flush with the top of the soil from the container.
- Weedeater damage — Weedeaters can strip the bark at the base of trees. Place a tomato cage around young trees to protect them.
- Using weedkillers nearby — Avoid spraying weedkiller near Japanese maples, especially in warm weather when spray can drift further than intended.
- Covering with plastic during frost — Never cover your maple with plastic, especially clear plastic. Always use frost cloth or bed sheets instead.
- Over-pruning — Only prune from early spring through the end of May. Over-pruning or pruning at the wrong time can stress or damage your tree.
Fall Gardening Checklist for Japanese Maples
Fall is a great time to plant your Japanese maple!
- Plant in Fall — Planting in fall allows your maple to establish its roots in the ground before spring, when it will push out new growth. Allowing your roots time to get established will promote better results come springtime.
- Do NOT fertilize — When you fertilize, your plant will begin pushing new growth. If you do this during the fall months, your plant may think spring has started and attempt to go into leaf. This tender new growth will be damaged by frost.
- Prepare for frost — Have frost cloth ready for unexpected cold snaps. Never use plastic to cover your plants.
- Reduce watering frequency — As temperatures drop and growth slows, reduce your watering schedule accordingly.
- Enjoy the fall color — Fall foliage on Japanese maples is spectacular. Get your cameras ready!
When do I fertilize my Japanese Maple?
One of the questions you should ask yourself when debating about fertilizing is: do I want my plant to grow right now? If Fall or Winter is upon you, we greatly advise you to NOT FERTILIZE your Japanese maple!
The absolute best time to fertilize your Japanese maple is in the early Spring when your plant is about to be putting on new growth. We also recommend not fertilizing after the end of May.
- Best time — Early spring, when new growth is beginning.
- Stop by end of May — Do not fertilize after the end of May to avoid stimulating growth that will not harden off before winter.
- Never in fall or winter — Fertilizing in fall or winter can push new growth that will be damaged by frost or prevent proper dormancy.
- Choose the right fertilizer — Use a fertilizer with 15 or lower on Nitrogen. Balanced, slow-release fertilizers work well.
What should I do about Frost damage on my Japanese Maple?
The best way to deal with frost damage is to never have any in the first place — preventative care is the best type! If your plant already has frost damage, fear not, we are here to help.
- Wait before pruning — Directly after the frost damage has occurred, DO NOT prune your tree. You may damage healthy nodules that could be hidden under frosted leaves.
- Apply liquid fertilizer after one week — Wait about a week after the frost damage occurred, then introduce some liquid fertilizer to the affected plant to encourage new growth.
- Water well — We also recommend that you water your tree well directly after a frost.
- Be patient — Allow the tree time to recover. New growth will often emerge from beneath the damaged foliage.
How do I protect my Japanese Maple from Frost?
Frost can be extremely damaging to your plant. It is very important to do as much as you can to set your plant up for success.
- Never use plastic — DO NOT cover your plant in plastic, especially clear plastic, as this will cause more damage than good to your tree.
- Use frost cloth — Here at MrMaple we use frost cloth to protect our specimens that are not under the protection of a greenhouse.
- Stake the frost cloth — It is advised to stake the frost cloth around your maple if it is not well established, as extra weight on top of your plant may result in broken branches.
- Bring container plants inside — If you are able to, bring your plant inside when frost is forecast.
- Monitor the weather — Stay informed about forecasted lows, especially during late spring when new growth has emerged and a cold snap can be particularly damaging.
Introduction to Garden Design
Designing a beautiful garden with Japanese maples requires thoughtful planning. Here are key principles for a thriving landscape:
- Avoid overcrowding — Planting your specimens too closely will cause your plants to compete with each other. Ideally you want to give each plant enough room to grow.
- Utilize more species than only Japanese maples — Conifers are a great way to bring color to your landscape, even throughout the winter! Not only that but they are also extremely low maintenance!
- Mulching — Mulching is a great way to add not only appeal to your garden but also to benefit your plants! Mulch allows your soil to not get too hot from the sun. It will also help with moisture control and weeds!
- Determine your soil conditions before you plant — If there is one thing that will give you issues while growing Japanese maples, it is non-draining soil! You want to ensure your soil drains well. One way to do this is to dig a hole and fill it up with water. Note how long it takes to drain. If you come back the next day and there is still water in the hole, you will want to either aerate or add rocks underneath your plant to promote drainage.
- Choose the right plant for the location — In the Japanese maple world, there is a plant for everyone. Depending on how much space you have in your garden, select the right size plant — from compact dwarfs to large statement trees like Bloodgood.
What are some tips for Grafting a Japanese Maple?
Grafting is a key propagation technique for Japanese maples. Here are the top 5 tips for successful grafting:
- #5 — Root Stock Preparation by Encouraging White Rooting — Healthy, actively-rooting rootstock with visible white roots is ideal for grafting success.
- #4 — Sharp Knife and Safe Hands — A sharp, clean blade creates precise cuts. Always prioritize safety when working with sharp tools.
- #3 — Sterilizing Utensils and Clean Workspace — Sterilize all tools before use to prevent disease introduction.
- #2 — Start With Healthy Rootstock and Scions — The quality of your starting material directly determines your success rate.
- #1 — Don't Over Water — Overwatering after grafting is a common cause of failure. Keep the medium moist but not saturated.
For more details, read our full blog post on grafting tips.
What are some tips for Growing a Japanese Maple?
Here are our top 5 tips for growing Japanese maples successfully:
- #5 — Weedeaters — Weedeaters are very prone to stripping the bark at the base of trees. Be sure to convey to any landscaper working on your property to be aware of your Japanese maples. An easy solution is to place a tomato cage around any young tree on your property.
- #4 — Weedkillers — Avoid weedkillers being sprayed in the vicinity of your Japanese maple. If you are spraying weedkiller, follow the instructions carefully. Spraying when it is above a certain temperature may cause it to spread further than the initial spray zone.
- #3 — Fertilizing your Japanese maple — Fertilizing is a great way to push new growth. Ensure you are not over-fertilizing and look for a good distribution rate. We recommend a fertilizer with 15 or lower on Nitrogen. Fertilize in spring, and never after the end of May.
- #2 — Don't plant Japanese maples too deep in the soil — Japanese maples enjoy having a good oxygen flow from the roots. Planting your Japanese maple flush with the top of the soil from the container will ensure a good depth.
- #1 — Good drainage — Having good drainage is an essential key for growing a successful Japanese maple. Japanese maples do not like wet feet, especially in containers. Never leave your Japanese maple in water without providing the water a way to drain. Overwatering and poor drainage WILL cause root rot.
Growing Japanese Maples in Hot Climates
Japanese maples typically are pretty heat tolerant, however there are certain varieties that are extremely heat tolerant such as the Heatseekers Series.
One of the most important variables to manage for your Japanese maple is the hot afternoon sun. Here at MrMaple we almost always advise protection from the sun when it is the hottest, around 1–3PM. If you are not sure of what USDA Zone you are located in, please refer to our blog post going over how to find your Zone.
- Afternoon shade is critical — Protect your maple from direct sun between 1–3PM, particularly in zones 8 and above.
- Choose heat-tolerant varieties — Look for cultivars in the Heatseekers Series, which are specifically bred for hot climates.
- Water more frequently — Hot weather increases water needs. Monitor soil moisture closely and water when the top inch of soil dries out.
- Mulch to cool roots — A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base will help keep soil temperatures cooler during hot weather.
- Avoid reflected heat — Avoid planting near pavement, walls, or surfaces that radiate heat.
How can I remove Japanese Beetles from my Japanese Maple?
The best solution for a small infestation of Japanese beetles is to manually pick them off and dispose of them. However, female Japanese beetles will leave pheromones on the plant, which may attract males back to the plants. To resolve this secondary issue, get mildly soapy water and spray down the plants that housed the beetles to wash away the pheromones.
As a last resort option for larger infestations or if the above tactics did not resolve the issue, you can use insecticides. In the past we have had good results from using Spectracide Triazicide for large infestations. Always follow the safety procedures for whatever insecticide you plan on using. Once again, ensure you spray mildly soapy water on the plants you used the insecticide on afterwards to clean any leftover chemicals off.
What is causing spots on the leaves of my Japanese Maple?
There are many causes of spots on the leaves of your Japanese Maple. Firstly, watering from the top down on your plant while it is too hot or sunny out is a main cause.
However, research has concluded that leaf thrips are the main cause of spots on your Japanese Maple. These bugs get on your plant during the spring and spray a fungus which houses their eggs, which do not hatch until later in the season. Typically these bugs prey on plants that are either showing signs of stress or that are not well established yet.
If your trees are neither stressed nor young and you are still seeing spots, in the early to mid-spring you can treat your maples with insecticide, such as Spectracide.
How should I treat Powdery Mildew on my Japanese Maple?
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect Japanese maples. This disease can cause the leaves of the tree to turn yellow, brown and become covered in a white, powder-like layer.
First, it is essential to maintain your Japanese maple tree's health by making sure it receives enough water, sunlight, and fertilizer. Keeping an eye on the soil moisture levels and making sure the tree is not too wet or too dry is also important. Pruning and removing dead or diseased branches on a regular basis can also help reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Second, it is important to keep your Japanese maple tree free of debris and other objects that can harbor moisture. This will help to reduce the chances of powdery mildew developing. Furthermore, regularly cleaning the area around your Japanese maple tree can also reduce the risk of disease.
Third, you can also use fungicides and other treatments to help prevent and treat powdery mildew. These treatments can be applied in the early spring or late fall, and should be reapplied after rainfall or when the humidity levels are high. Always follow the directions on the label and wear gloves and a face mask when applying any treatments.
How do I prune my Japanese Maple?
Pruning is a very important step in maintaining your Japanese maple. One benefit of pruning is encouraging new growth. It is very important to not over-prune! Typically you want to only prune when it is advised to fertilize — from early Spring to around the end of May.
- Prune early spring through end of May — This is the ideal window for pruning Japanese maples.
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches — Focus on branches that are clearly dead or rubbing against each other.
- Do not over-prune — Removing too much foliage at once stresses the tree. Aim to remove no more than 20–25% of the canopy in a single season.
- Use clean, sharp tools — Always use sharp, sterilized pruning shears or loppers to make clean cuts and prevent disease.
- Avoid pruning in fall or winter — Pruning during dormancy can make the tree vulnerable to frost damage at the cut points.
What type of soil should I use for my Japanese Maple?
Japanese maples are very adaptable to almost any well-draining soil. Good drainage is one of the most important aspects of your soil. Here at MrMaple, we use an 80% Pinebark | 15% Peat | 5% Perlite mix. Alongside this mix we also introduce Micromax Nutrients.
Try your best to avoid soils that are high in Nitrogen going into the fall, since this may cause your plant to not go into dormancy or have a very late dormancy.
- Well-draining is essential — Japanese maples cannot tolerate standing water around their roots.
- MrMaple's recommended mix — 80% Pinebark, 15% Peat, 5% Perlite with Micromax Nutrients.
- Avoid high-Nitrogen soil in fall — High Nitrogen going into fall may prevent proper dormancy.
- Test your native soil drainage — Dig a hole and fill it with water. If it has not drained by the next day, amend the soil or improve drainage before planting.
How should I treat Spider Mites on my Japanese Maple?
One of the main signs of spider mites is having webbing around the leaves of your plants. Spider mites typically target unestablished plants or stressed plants.
You can test for spider mites by getting a piece of printer paper, putting it under the leaves of your plant, and shaking your plant gently. If you see red dots on the paper, you indeed have a spider mite infestation.
The best treatment for spider mites is a light insecticide soap. You should spray this on the top and bottom of the foliage. Repeat applications may be necessary to fully eliminate the infestation.
Spring Gardening Checklist for Japanese Maples
- Protect from late spring cold snaps — A cold snap is a warm spell of weather followed by low temperatures. Being informed is the best way to prevent damage to your trees. If you are able to bring your plants inside, do so. Alternatively, cover them with frost cloth to protect them.
- Fertilize in early spring — Japanese maples normally push out growth once in early spring and then once in the summer. Fertilize in the spring, and never after the end of May.
- Watch for rootstock growth — Typically in early spring you may see rootstock growth, which will grow from below your grafting point on the plant. Remove it promptly.
- Begin pruning — Spring is the ideal time to prune. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Do not over-prune.
- Check for pests — Inspect new growth for aphids, spider mites, and other insects. Treat early before infestations become severe.
- Enjoy the vibrant spring foliage — Spring is a great time to enjoy your garden! Japanese maples are extremely vibrant in early spring.
Tips for your Japanese Maple Spring Garden
Spring is one of the most exciting times to have Japanese maples in your garden. Here are our top 5 tips for the Japanese maple spring garden:
- #5 — Protect your plants from cold snaps — A cold snap is a warm spell of weather followed by low temperatures (such as 60°F dropping to 15°F the following night). Always be up to date with the weather in your area. If you are able to bring your plants inside, do so; alternatively, cover them with frost cloth to protect them.
- #4 — Protect your Japanese maples from frost — Make sure you do not use plastics to cover your plants. Always use frost cloth or bed sheets.
- #3 — Watch out for rootstock growth — Typically in early spring you may see rootstock growth. Rootstock will grow from below your grafting point on the plant. Remove this growth as soon as it is spotted.
- #2 — Spring is a great time to fertilize — Japanese maples normally push out growth once in early spring and then once in the summer. Fertilize in the spring, and never after the end of May.
- #1 — Get your cameras ready! — Spring is a great time to enjoy your garden! Japanese maples are extremely vibrant in early spring. Be sure to take some pictures and post them to our Facebook group!
How do I stake my Japanese Maple?
We recommend staking your Japanese Maple in the early Spring, around this time your plant will have higher levels of sap and be much more flexible. Here at MrMaple.com we have Staking Guns which allow us to put bands around the tree and bamboo pole efficiently, however this is not needed at all. Any straight pole will work for staking, and instead of the staking gun you can use and re-use kitchen twist ties.
It is highly recommended to stake weeping and laceleaf varieties, as it will promote a more upright growth habit in your tree!
- Best time to stake — Early spring, when sap levels are high and the plant is most flexible.
- Materials — Any straight stake (bamboo, wood, metal) works well. Use soft ties like kitchen twist ties to avoid damaging the bark.
- Especially important for weeping varieties — Staking laceleaf and weeping varieties encourages a more upright growth habit.
- Check ties regularly — As the tree grows, ensure the ties are not cutting into the bark.
How should I water my Japanese Maple?
The proper watering process for Japanese maples is a very important key to growing a successful specimen! Ideally you will want to have a good-draining soil. Once this has been established it is advised to water your Japanese maple, let it dry out completely, and then water again.
Continuous overwatering of your Japanese maple WILL introduce root rot to your plant. If your Japanese maple is showing crispy or dying leaves outside of the Fall or Winter months this is a very good indicator of an overwatering problem that needs to be addressed immediately!
- Water deeply, then let dry — Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
- Good drainage is essential — Japanese maples do not like wet feet. Ensure your soil drains well.
- Watch for overwatering signs — Crispy or dying leaves outside of fall/winter indicate overwatering, not drought.
- Container plants may need more frequent watering — Containers dry out faster. Check soil moisture daily in hot weather.
Reference Guide
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Browse our comprehensive collection of Japanese Maple cultivars and growing guides
Japanese Maple Care & Knowledge
21 topics covering growing, maintenance, and common knowledge — in alphabetical order. Click any topic to jump to the full answer.
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Cultivars by Name
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