Acer palmatum is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching heights of 6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft), rarely 16 m (52 ft), reaching a mature width of 4.5 to 10 m (15 to 33 ft), often growing as an understory plant in shady woodlands.
Is an Acer the same as a Japanese maple?
Intensely coloured and beautifully shaped foliage make Acer palmatum a firm favourite. Commonly known as Japanese Maple trees, they also boast a graceful shape, whether they’re weeping, dwarf or more spreading forms.
Where is the best place to plant a Acer?
Plant acers in a sheltered spot where the foliage is protected from the strongest midday sun and cold or drying winds that may damage the leaves. Young foliage can be susceptible to late frosts.
Where does Acer palmatum grow best?
Where to plant
- These slow-growing small trees are ideal for smaller gardens; but can make a great feature in any garden.
- Japanese maples are hardy but do best in a spot sheltered from strong winds.
- Japanese maples do best in slightly acidic humus-rich, well-drained soils.
How tall will an Acer palmatum? – Related Questions
Are acers better in pots or ground?
Japanese maples, or acers, are ideal for pots as they’re slow growing and make stunning focal points.
Do acers need lots of water?
Water your Acer sufficiently—in a pot it will need watering most days during the spring, summer and autumn. If you allow it to dry out, the leaves will dry out and not recover. Lack of water will also cause die back of the branches, so it’s worth asking a friend to water your Acers if you are going away.
Do acers prefer morning or afternoon sun?
Japanese maples are easy if placed in the right position
Place the plant out of the wind and out of the direct sun, it can stand the early morning and late afternoon sun, but midday sun will burn its leaves.
How do you make an Acer bushy?
It is best to prune whilst the tree is dormant, so December to February would be an ideal time of year. Make sure to prune back to a bud – this means cutting just above the bud. If you leave any excess wood above the bud, the dieback could become diseased. Simply prune the acer tree to the shape that you want it to be.
Do acers survive winter?
They need to be protected not only from northern and easterly winds but from frosts, too – cover them with fleece in winter, if necessary. Acer trees will tolerate most soils except very heavy clay.
Do acers spread?
Some acers can grow to well over 40 feet with a correspondingly large spread.
Should I cover my Japanese maple from frost?
5) Wrap Japanese maples with burlap (if you experience heavy snows or prevailing winter winds) for at least the first three years. Snow falling in the colder climates can both protect and endanger plants. A good snow cover will insulate the soil similar to a mulch.
Can you leave Japanese maple outside in winter?
The answer is yes. If you have container plants, winter protection for Japanese maple can be as simple as moving the containers into the garage or porch when icy weather or a heavy snowfall is expected.
Should I put mulch around my Japanese maple?
Whether you are planting a new Japanese maple, or caring for an established tree, you’ll want to add a layer of composted mulch or another organic material around the base of your tree in the spring and fall. Not only does this look great, but it prevents weeds, gives them essential nutrients, and insulates the roots.
Are coffee grounds good for Japanese maple?
So maintain a humus-rich soil by applying coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are free at Starbucks. For a 4-foot-tall Japanese maple, I recommend applying 4 pounds of coffee grounds per tree per season.
How do I protect my Japanese maple for winter?
Your Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a young tree and should be protected from frost. The most effective way to do this is to drive stakes around the perimeter of the tree and attach burlap to the stakes, making sure it reaches right to the ground and forms a circle around the tree.
What do you put under a Japanese maple tree?
Sedum: Sedum is a great option for ample ground cover. It’s a low-maintenance succulent that doesn’t need much except sunlight and well-draining soil. Its yellow and green foliage can complement any Japanese maple without stealing the spotlight.
How do I keep my Japanese maple healthy?
Keep Japanese Maple Healthy in Summer
- Keep them moist – don’t forget to keep the soil damp, with mulch and regular watering.
- Give them afternoon shade – when planting your tree, arrange for afternoon shade in summer.
- Choose a suitable variety – some forms resist burning better than others.
How do you prepare an Acer for winter?
Mulch with bark or well rotted garden compost after planting and every year thereafter to help retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect your Japanese Acers from winter frost and snow. Take care to ensure the mulch doesn’t come into contact with the trunk to avoid rotting and disease.
Should I cut back my Acer in winter?
Acers are very prone to bleeding from pruning cuts so it’s best to do this before the end of January while they are totally dormant. In the second winter prune out any dead or damaged shoots and shorten the main shoots back a little. In the third winter remove any very low branches to display the bark on the trunk.
What time is the year do you cut back acers?
The best time to prune acers is when they’re dormant during November and December. But it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your knowledge to ensure you’re ready for when the time comes. The reason we prune acers whilst they are dormant is due to the sap they bleed when pruned which weakens the tree.
