Japanese Maple Care - Learn How To Grow A Japanese Maple Tree
Japanese maples are noted for their lacy, finely-cut leaves, brilliant fall color, delicate structure and the beautiful addition they make to the landscape.

Amy Draiss
With so many different sizes, colors, and leaf shapes, it's hard to describe a typical Japanese maple, but without exception, these attractive trees with their refined growth habit are an asset to the home landscape. Japanese maples are noted for their lacy, finely cut leaves, brilliant fall color, and delicate structure.
Continue reading to learn more about how to grow a Japanese maple tree. Most horticulturalists refer to cultivars of Acer palmatum as Japanese maples, but a few also include A. japonicum cultivars. While A. palmatum is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, A. japonicum extends the growing area into zone 5.
This variety is also sturdier in appearance and bears reddish purple flowers in spring. Growing Japanese maples make excellent specimen or lawn trees. Smaller cultivars are the perfect size for shrub borders and large patio containers.
Use upright types as understory trees in woodland gardens. Plant them where you need to add fine texture in the garden.
How to Grow a Japanese Maple Tree
When you are growing Japanese maples, the trees need a location with full sun or partial shade, but planting a Japanese maple in full sun may result in scorched leaf margins on young trees in summer, especially in hot climates.
You'll see less scorching as the tree ages. In addition, growing Japanese maples in a location with more exposure to bright sunlight leads to more intense fall color. The trees grow well in almost any type of soil as long as it is well-drained.
Japanese Maple Care
Japanese maple care is easy. Caring for Japanese maples in summer is mainly a matter of providing enough water to prevent stress.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".
Water the tree deeply in the absence of rain. Apply the water to the root zone slowly so that the soil can absorb as much water as possible. Stop when the water begins to run off. Cut back on the amount of water in late summer to intensify the fall color. Adding 3 inches (8 cm.) of mulch helps the soil retain moisture and inhibits the growth of weeds. Pull the mulch back a few inches (8 cm.) from the trunk to prevent rot.
Any heavy pruning should be performed in late winter before the leaf buds begin to open. Cut out scraggly interior twigs and branches but leave the structural branches as they are. You can make small, corrective cuts any time of year. With such easy care and beauty, nothing is more rewarding than planting a Japanese maple in the landscape.

Jackie Carroll has written over 500 articles for Gardening Know How on a wide range of topics.
- Amy DraissDigital Community Manager
-
Why Calcium Matters For Tomato Plants: Prevent Disease & Increase Yields
Find out how to maximize your harvest and prevent dreaded diseases such as blossom end rot by increasing calcium for tomato plants.
-
Herb Hanging Basket Ideas: 8 Best Plants For Long-Lasting Edible Splendor
Explore the best plants for a hanging basket herb garden. These picks are sure to add visual appeal and keep your herbs within easy reach.
-
How To Grow A Kansas Peony For Sublime Magenta Double Blooms And Enduring Fragrance
Growing Kansas peonies will add gorgeous color and fragrance to your garden. Their deep color and lush blooms are sure to make your neighbors jealous!
-
Hydrangea Landscape Uses – 5 Beautiful Ideas To Try In Your Yard This Year
Hydrangeas can add a vibrant element to your garden and there are numerous landscape uses for these blooming beauties. Gorgeous hydrangea ideas abound!
-
Best Blue Hydrangeas: Stunning Blue Hydrangea Varieties For A Sapphire-Studded Garden
Whether you’re a mophead or a lacecap lover, blue hydrangea varieties present breathtaking profusions of cool, lush floral displays. Here are 5 of the best to try
-
Which Invasive Shrubs Should You Avoid Growing? Plus, Best Natives To Plant Instead
Certain plants may look lovely but they can wreak havoc to local areas and native wildlife. Here are the key invasive shrubs to avoid – with recommendations on gorgeous native alternatives to try
-
Pruning Limelight Hydrangea Bushes For Bigger Blooms & Stronger Plants
Pruning 'Limelight' hydrangea will benefit the shrub. Flowers will be more bountiful the next year and branches will be stronger. Learn how and when to prune.
-
What’s Wrong With Your Azaleas? Identify, Tackle And Prevent 6 Common Azalea Pests
If you’ve spotted signs of azalea leaf damage, don’t panic – here’s how to identify the most common azalea pests so you can take action swiftly and keep plants healthy
-
Native Hydrangea Varieties In North America – 8 Sensational Smooth And Oakleaf Varieties For Hardy Blooms And Multi-Season Beauty
Hydrangeas are beloved for their enduring visual dynamics – but if you go native, they’re even better. Here are the most captivating native hydrangea varieties you can grow
-
Grow These 8 Pretty Peony Colors To Include In Your Garden For A Spectacular Spring Rainbow
There are as many shades of peony as there are types of garden – each more gorgeous than the last. Discover some of the most exhilarating peony colors for your yard