Japanese maples are among the finest trees you can grow in your garden. Not only are they stunning and straightforward to cultivate, but they have the power to transform any outdoor space into something truly magical. Available in a wide range of varieties, each Japanese maple boasts its own distinct character and charm.
With spring now in full swing, this is the time when Japanese maples begin their blooming period. Their tube-shaped flowers emerge in shades of red, purple, yellow, or pink. The blossoms are delightful, but while these trees are low-maintenance, they can struggle. Gardening experts have highlighted that one key task must be carried out in spring, and that’s applying mulch to the base of the trees.
The pros at West Coast Gardens said, “Whether you are planting a new Japanese maple, or caring for an established tree, you’ll want to add a layer of composted mulch or another organic material around the base of your tree in the spring.
“Not only does this look great, but it prevents weeds, gives them essential nutrients, and insulates the roots.”
The gardening gurus at Gardening Know How noted that if you’re after a “spectacular” Japanese maple, mulching is an “essential” task.
They explained that it “offers so many benefits for the tree”, helping to retain moisture in the soil, shielding it from heat and cold, and suppressing weeds that compete for nutrients in the maple’s soil.
The pros added: “It’s an easy gesture and goes a long way toward a good year for your tree.” The experts noted that the crucial thing to bear in mind when applying mulch around the base of your Japanese maple is to watch out for the “graft site”.
The upper part of the tree is known as a scion, and it is joined to a root. Your mulch, or soil, should never come into contact with the grafting site on your Japanese maple tree trunk, otherwise, your scion might begin growing its own roots, which would undermine the benefits of the original graft.
Once mulching is complete, deep watering will go a long way towards guaranteeing success. Use a hose on a slow setting for larger trees or a full watering can or two for pot-grown maples.
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