Today we visit with the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) also referred to as Smooth Japanese Maple. Japanese Maple is native to Japan, North Korea, China and eastern Mongolia. Today many cultivars or hybrids have been produced and they are grown worldwide for their attractive leaf shape and color. According to literature cited from “ The University of Florida IFAS Extension” Japanese Maple generally has a height and spread of about twenty feet, but there are smaller dwarf varieties available. The trunk has muscle-looking picturesque, grey that shows up nicely when lighted at night Grown for its interesting growth habit and fine textured green or red (maroon) leaves Japanese Maple trees make an excellent landscape tree for areas with part sun to part shade. Japanese Maple trees do well in the USDA hardiness zones 7A – 8 making it a good selection for our Newtown, Connecticut zone 6A hardiness. I personally experienced the Nashville, TN drought in 2007 when many Japanese Maple trees left without water expired. This small tree has a tendency to leaf out early in spring and may be subject to damage by spring frost. Japanese Maples need to be protected from full sunlight and drying winds by establishing plantings in areas of partial or filtered shade. As stated above irrigation may be necessary in dry hot summers to prevent leaf scorch, but as with everything water in moderation. Well drained soils are preferred without excessive moister around the roots.
By far the Japanese Maple is one of the most sought after and coveted landscape tree with over 250 different varieties available. Japanese Maples of good quality are not inexpensive, mainly because it takes years of slow growing and management to produce the specimen tree in the local nursery. Planting a Japanese Maple in your landscape can be an exciting project for the entire family. When making your selection remember as with everything you get what you pay for. Study the trunk and main stems are there signs of injuries or wounds? Is the seller reputable, by that does he know where the trees came from and will he guarantee it is the variety you want?
As always Yacko and Sons Tree Service staff Forester Jeff Cowden is always available to give your trees a FREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP! jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733-9219.
