Daylily Paradise

Tree Caring and Planting Information

Japanese Maple Trees (Acer Palmatum)

Green Japanese Maple Tree	Red Japanese Maple Tree
"Green Variety"	"Atropurpureum"

All of our bare-root trees are shipped to you via the United States Priority Mail. The roots of all the trees will be wrapped in damp shredded paper to insure freshness. The trees are then placed in a plastic tube within a cardboard strong box for shipping. The tops of some trees have been intentionally cut back to encourage branching and to help the tree survive the transplant. All bare-root trees will need planted as quickly as possible. Even if it is still cold outside, plant your tree shortly after it arrives and water thoroughly and frequently. Dig a hole approximately twice the size of the tree's root. Fill the bottom half of the hole with topsoil and plant the tree in the top half with the base of the tree at the soil line or just below. Fill in the rest of the hole with topsoil and slightly tamp the soil around the tree. Mulch your tree with 2" of shredded hardwood bark to insulate the roots and prevent water from evaporating around the tree. Your newly transplanted tree will need a lot of care the first year. It is not uncommon for a newly planted tree to die back a little or even loose its first set of leaves the first year. Do not fertilize your tree the first year, but do give it plenty of water. Once your tree is established (after the first year), it will require little care.

Japanese maple trees are slow growing deciduous trees that are excellent for lawns, entryways, groves, and under oaks. They grow well in containers and are frequently used for bonsai. The leaves change from red or green to yellow, orange, or scarlet in autumn. These trees are grown over most of the United States; only excessive heat, dryness or winter cold prevents them from thriving. A Japanese maple can reach a mature height of 20'. These trees like acidic and wet soil, and prefer partial to full sun. Insufficient watering will cause leaf scorch. Prune for shape in late summer or early fall. It is not uncommon for branch tips to die over winter, simply prune out in early spring. Leaf tip burn is common during drought conditions, although it is not a cause for panic. Afternoon shade and good watering practices help, but in extreme conditions, you may have to live with it. Under extreme stressful conditions your Japanese maple may even drop all its' leaves. Do not despair; the tree is protecting itself while telling you it is not getting enough water. Mulch to keep moist and cool. These deciduous trees are hardy between zones 4-9.

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