Hot Weather
Fertilizer
Time of Year
Moss
Pots
Trimming Benefits

Japanese Maples don’t need a lot of care other than annual pruning. Here’s a few topics that may be of interest.


Hot Weather

When the weather is hot, watering once a week is a good idea. A soaker hose is a great way to get a good soak. Watering should be all the way out to the drip line. If there is difficulty with water running off rather than easily soaking in, fill a sprayer with water and a bit of dish soap. Spray the area under the tree with the soapy water which will break the surface tension of the soil allowing water to penetrate deeply. Spreading bark mulch around the tree helps to retain moisture and help with water penetration.
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Fertilizer

Generally, fertilizing is not needed and can stimulate unwanted growth. Resist the temptation to apply fertilizer.
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Time of Year

A common question is ‘When’s the best time to prune a tree’. Maples can be trimmed year round with no problem. When the weather is hot, a good soak after trimming will prevent heat shock and the tree will be fine. Trimming when the leaves are on or off doesn’t matter to the tree. There are advantages to trimming both ways.
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Moss

Moss on the limbs and trunk should be minimal. Moss is moderately invasive to the tree and traps moisture on the tree preventing normal drying. This can lead to rot over time. The moss traps soil and sand creating a hospitable environment for pests. A gloved hand or stiff nylon bristle brush can remove the moss with a little bit of work. Lichen on the tree is not a problem and can look quite attractive.
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Pots

Potted trees require a few specific care items. Generally move the tree to a slightly larger pot every 2-3 years. Don’t move to a much larger pot than the current one to prevent unhealthy root growth. Be sure the pot has good drainage. Potted trees are much more vulnerable to temperature extremes. They will dry out quicker than planted trees. Sun hitting the pot can be deadly if the pot and soil become too hot. Think about shading the pot during hot sunny weather. A dark colored pot makes the danger even greater.
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Benefits of Trimming

Properly maintained (trimmed) trees drop all their leaves on the ground in the fall. If the tree is very dense with crossed and crowded limbs, dead leaves can be trapped in the tree leading to a hospitable environment for pests and moss. It is also unattractive and requires someone to remove the leaves by hand.
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