The Japanese maple is a plant with wonderful colors that becomes the star of the garden in the blink of an eye. But to do this, you need to know how to plant a Japanese maple and where to put it so that the plant can flourish. Discover all the advice to follow if you want to admire the beautiful spectacle of this plant throughout the year in the following lines.
You need to know how to plant a Japanese maple and where to put it so that the plant can flourish.
How to plant a Japanese maple and where to put it? Here is the step by step guide
The Japanese maple tree adds visual interest to every garden if properly planted and maintained. This is why you need to take good care of it even before planting. By ensuring the right location and proper care for the plant, it could develop and offer you an incredible spectacle of color! Here are the tips to follow to give your Japanese maple a good start.
1.Preparation
First, you have to remove all the packaging materials around the plant. While you prepare the planting site, leave the maple in its pot. If there is no pot, but the roots of the plant are only wrapped in burlap, do not remove it and leave the roots like that until you are ready to plant . Remember not to lift the plant by the trunk or stems. Lift the pot or strings (if wrapped in burlap) just before planting the tree .
Leave the maple in its pot when preparing the planting site
2. Care before planting Japanese maple
Keep in mind that you can plant the Japanese maple as long as the ground is not frozen.
Place the tree in a shady area of your garden and be sure to water it well. Don’t be afraid, even if it’s cold, the maple will adapt to the temperatures. Resist the temptation to place it in a shed or inside your home.
Water regularly without letting the soil dry out between waterings. To check the moisture in the soil before watering, stick your finger 1 cm into it. If it is dry at this depth, irrigate the tree. If your plant is still wrapped in burlap, gently apply water to the wrapped roots.
If the plant is still wrapped in burlap, gently apply water to the wrapped root
3.Location to grow japanese maple
Know that you must carefully choose the site where the plant will grow permanently so that the maple has healthy growth and shines in all its glory. To do this, you will need to consider the mature size of the tree and its growth habits. Keep in mind that it is recommended to ensure good air circulation to avoid any risk of diseases and pests. Therefore, choose a location away from walls, fences, other structures and other plants. Opt for a planting site sheltered from strong winds as well. Plant the tree far enough from the property line so that it can reach its full size while remaining on your side of the line.
4.Sunshine for plant
The amount of sunlight at the planting site is another factor to consider when choosing the ideal spot. Note that the Japanese maple needs sunlight throughout the morning and some shade in the afternoon. But, keep in mind that different varieties of Japanese maple have different sunlight needs. So it’s best to find out what variety you have.
The amount of sunlight at the planting site is another factor to take into account
5.Soil preparation for planting japaense maple
For your plant to flourish, you must prepare the soil of the planting site beforehand. To do this, know that Japanese maples require soil rich in organic matter, but which drains well. It is good to amend the soil with 15-20 cm of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost. But, before doing so, you have to weed the site and remove the stones. If you plan to use a herbicide, it is recommended to wait at least 10-14 days before planting the maple tree. Remember to make sure the tree will have a site that is at least 1 meter in diameter. Next, create a mound about 30 cm high using the organic matter.
The soil of the planting site must be prepared beforehand.
6.Planting
- Be aware that the Japanese maple’s root ball must be completely saturated with water the day before planting.
- The next day, you can dig a hole several times as wide and as deep as the pot.
- Next, transfer the plant into the hole, being careful not to plant it any deeper than it was in the container.
- Once the root ball is placed in the hole, backfill the hole halfway with soil.
- Water well to settle the soil more easily and let the water drain away.
- Backfill the hole with the remaining soil and firm it around the base of the plant.
- Add a 7-8 cm layer of organic mulch without touching the trunk of the maple tree.
- Water again.