Japanese maples are a popular choice for UK gardens but can be tricky to care for. Many gardeners make the mistake of fertilising them in summer, which can damage or even kill the tree — here’s what to do instead.
Japanese maples can struggle to grow or even lose their leaves in summer unless cared for properly(Image: Getty)
Japanese maples ought to appear stunning during summer, owing to their vibrant red leaves, but numerous gardeners inadvertently harm or destroy their trees by nourishing them at an inappropriate time. Many gardeners are inclined to fertilise their plants in summer to encourage them to reach their maximum potential, but Japanese maples are in fact highly susceptible to heat.
It’s considerably too warm in late June to feed these trees, as the salts and chemicals present in fertiliser will scorch the roots and foliage. Rather, the gardening specialists at Mendocino Maples Nursery have revealed the final opportunity you should fertilise a Japanese maple is in early May, and presently in summer, it proves more beneficial to mulch.
They explained: “Mulch is a good friend of your maple. Mulch protects the roots from the heat in summer, the cold in winter and reduces the frequency of watering “.
Japanese maples can genuinely struggle in British gardens. They possess shallow roots that rest close to the soil surface and become parched far more rapidly than the majority of other plants.
They naturally flourish in woodland regions of Japan where forest floors typically blanketed in leaf debris absorb substantial amounts of water, which safeguards the roots from the sun.
Japanese maples can really struggle in hot weather and can be damaged if you fertlise them now(Image: Getty)
Mulching is the straightforward gardening technique of blanketing soil surrounding a plant in organic material. During summer, this functions as insulation to maintain plants cool throughout the warm weather.
Mulching Japanese maples is absolutely essential, as it assists the soil in retaining moisture, shields the roots from the heat, and helps prevent the tree from becoming stressed.
An easy way to help a Japanese maple in summer is to simply mulch it(Image: Getty)
Applying mulch will help Japanese maples continue thriving regardless of how high temperatures climb across the UK this summer, and organic mulches will decompose gradually to nourish the soil, resulting in a fuller, bushier tree without the need for additional fertiliser.
How to mulch a Japanese maple
Firstly, you’ll need to purchase some mulch from your nearest garden centre. The most suitable mulches for Japanese maples are wood chips or pine needles, as they closely mirror the woodland soil conditions of their native environment.
Next, clear the area around the base of the tree by removing any weeds or debris. This allows the mulch to settle more effectively into the soil, making it more efficient at keeping the roots cool.
Following this, simply spread the mulch in a ring around the tree, ensuring none of it comes into contact with the trunk. Mulch holds a considerable amount of water, and heaping too much against the trunk can trap moisture, causing the bark to decay.
Japanese maples can struggle to grow or even lose their leaves in summer unless cared for properly(Image: Getty)
Instead, ensure the mulch is distributed across the soil surrounding the planting area, aiming for a depth of approximately five to eight centimetres. Once the mulch has been applied, water it thoroughly.
Your Japanese maple should now remain healthy and cool throughout the remainder of summer, allowing it to continue producing its stunning foliage for the rest of the season.
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