Japanese acers are a beautiful plant to add to your garden, but they do require some TLC to keep them protected during the winter
Japanese acers are a beautiful plant to add to your garden, but they do require some TLC to keep them protected during the winter(Image: Thananat via Getty Images)
Japanese acers, also known as Japanese maples, are a stunning addition to any garden, but they do need a bit of extra care to keep them safe during the winter months. Gardening guru and TikTok creator Ish has shared some handy tips for acer owners to help them protect their plants throughout the season, reports the Express.
Ish reassured gardeners not to worry if their acers start shedding leaves, as it’s completely normal. However, he did warn that the harsh winter weather could potentially harm the plant.
He encouraged those with green fingers to carry out a few tasks over the winter period to ensure their acers are safeguarded and ready to burst into bloom next year.
You can wrap the plant pots with bubble wrap to help shield the roots from the cold winds(Image: Getty)How to protect Japanese maples in winter
Acers aren’t too keen on the chilly weather and the potential gusty winds that can accompany it. Ish pointed out that in some instances, the freezing wind can pose a serious threat to the plant’s survival.
Severe cold weather can lead to the plant’s leaves getting scorched. Their vibrant red hue will start to fade to brown, consequently losing its colour. The leaves might also curl up, shrivel, and become crispy, which is something Ish cautioned about.
If your acers are in pots, there’s a method you can use to shield them, either by using mulch or bubble wrap. Mulch can be sprinkled on the top layer of soil.
Bubble wrap can be utilised by wrapping it around the exterior of the pot to help guard the plant’s root from the cold radiating from the pot itself.
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One job that needs attention during winter months is pruning. This helps keep the plant’s leaves healthy and strong, as cold weather can cause damage.
In certain instances, leaf scorch can result in early leaf drop and even the dieback of smaller branches. The Royal Horticultural Society highlighted that particular attention should be paid during late winter and early spring, as the cold winds – and possible frost – during these periods can scorch the foliage.
Ish suggested pruning acers in late January. He said: “The reason you want to do that is because it is dormant, so you can be quite rough with how you cut this.
“You want to get rid of any crossing over stems and allow that to thicken out with brand new foliage next year. It really is super simple and won’t do any damage.”
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