How To Plant a Container Grown Japanese Maple Tree - Don't Make This Common Mistake

One of the most common mistakes people make is to plant trees too deeply. In this video, I am showing how I plant a container-grown Japanese maple tree to ensure it is planted to the right depth.
You can't rely on the depth of the soil in the container as your guide because sometimes trees are planted too deeply in their nursery containers. This video will show you what to look for so you plant your tree correctly.
Thanks for watching.
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[@shkach]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am a breast cancer survivor as well and have been saddened to know I was not the only one to receive that phone call only to wait to hear more. I am cancer free for just over 12 years now. I am 56 and just beginning my journey with flowers & perennials. I have some perennials around the front and back of my house, but I am so excited to do just what you have done! Yours look beautiful! Don't mind that neighbor (I watched that episode too), just keep going. 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

First off, YAY YAY YAY that you are cancer free. I am happy to hear that. As you know, that phone call is awful. I appreciate you sharing your story. Thanks for being here friend.

[@danmolumby8645]

I always ALWAYS go by the rule..."plant it low, it won't grow. Plant it high, it won't die" always had success with any tree ive planted that way

[@GardenMoxie]

Those are wise words indeed!

[@robertgrant008]

Thank you from the UK 🇬🇧

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. Happy gardening!

[@evanesoteric]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge with me*. Cheers!

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

They are absolutely stunning Sue 🥰🥰

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much Jasmine.

[@jowga]

Thank you for this

[@benjobello]

Great video!! Thank you for sharing this knowledge!!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@bunnyfrancis7006]

What a glorious channel. Thank you. So happy I found you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. Thanks for being here.

[@patriciaterry5539]

Outstanding video! Thanks for the tips!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@janiceclay435]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@GardenMoxie]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Thank you.

[@Dom-pf8wd]

Well done!Both the planting and the video.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much!

[@Orientalbackyardgarden]

Beautiful Maples🌿🌿🌝✨

[@GardenMoxie]

They are so pretty in the Autumn.

[@camit3763]

Thank you very much for your wonderful master class and the wealth of information.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for checking out the video.

[@GardeningSpirit]

I am ALWAYS finding tree roots! LOL. "I couldn't have picked a more inappropriate place to plant this tree" ... that is me every single time! That japanese maple looks amazing where you placed it! Your gardens are so pretty!

[@GardenMoxie]

I could NOT believe it when I finished digging that hole. And I had very little wiggle room to move that tree. Ugh! Thanks for watching.

[@richardoelkers]

great video, just the right mix of information and video of your work. And such a wonderful speaking voice, very calming.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you for watching.

[@shelleymolinaro5866]

Great tips Sue. I have had a bloodgood Japanese Maple just off my deck for about 12 years and it is absolutely stunning. I know you will enjoy yours. I recently planted a dogwood and paid for landscape help to plant it. When I went out to look at it it was totally buried above the graft by about 2 inches. Ugh. I had to make that uncomfortable call to have him come back and replant the tree. He insisted that he puposely plants that low and I had to insist that it needed to be much higher. He was nice enough to come back and fix it. Lesson learned that I will definitely be supervising in the future. I usually plant everything myself but my arthritic knee was acting up and I wanted it in the ground before it got hot. Thanks for sharing Sue.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note. I think planting trees too deeply is a common problem. The other thing I see here is crazy amounts of mulch that are touching the tree trunk and piled so high. I cringe. All I can think is...that poor tree...

[@angelabluebird609]

Yes, supervise. An elderly landscaper shared with me: 1. dig a $100.00 hole for a $5.00 tree. 2. Plant 'em high, they never die, plant 'em low, you never know. I'm so thankful when wisdom is passed along!

[@littlebrookreader949]

What beauty! Gardens are soul feeding, even spiritual places. Aren’t they? Good instruction! 😊

[@jammosu6498]

One of the best videos on how to plant a container tree. I might ass if it’s a rootball, remove the basket , string, and as much of the burlap as possible. If the burlap is plastic, get rid of it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. Great suggestions to remind everyone to remove the basket, burlap, and roping on a B&B tree. Those are the ones you need to really make sure you find that root flare. Thanks for watching the video.

[@JoAnnBlondin]

Great tips Sue. I usually do the step method so make sure there is no air trapped and helps with frost heaving. So interesting you suggest to not do that. We also have clay and large shale rocks so I was envious of your soil and ease of hole digging. Happy growing. Jo

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for checking out the video Jo-Ann.

[@pam2239]

Well done!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks friend!

[@GasMonkey2254]

Really nice job thank you 🙏

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you.

[@adityasvisionaryvlogsforu]

Very nice garden

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Hi Sue, Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 👍🇺🇸 Excellent tutorial on planting trees. Sorry you found the irrigation system that way. I'm glad you decided to move the tree versus fight the system. Take care ❤Peggy❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks Peggy. I couldn't believe I managed to get the exact middle of that irrigation line. So funny!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

@Garden Moxie My husband trained for a year on irrigation, installation, design, landscape. But, when I am digging and I feel that "plunge" my heart sinks! He's retired, but I know it's a quick fix versus a call to the repair company. 👍

[@sammysworld5485]

Hi Sue. I planted a Japanese blood-good Maple tree 2yrs ago. The first year didn’t look so great but now it’s just stunning & put on some growth. They seem to be easy care. I don’t do anything but fertilize once a year. Appreciate the planting tips.

[@GardenMoxie]

I think the Bloodgood is such a beautiful tree. My Mother-in-law had one which is where I saw it first hand.

[@loricawley54]

I have my eye on a Japanese Bloodgood Maple tree for my east facing backyard. I’m in west Tx, zone 8a, and our spring has already been in the upper 80’s/lower 90’s which means our hot summer will probably be really hot this yr. I’m still going to plant this tree as I think it’s stunning, but am going to wait until the fall so it will face less struggles getting settled in.

[@marylandsharona]

Do you spray your Japanese Bloodgood with anything? I thought I heard you say that in another video.

[@zucchinibyday]

​@@loricawley54 I live in Northern Colorado, so similar heat to Texas but colder in the winter. East side of the house will be lovely for the japanese maple, it'll provide it with some nice shade in the afternoon to alleviate the sun stress. Might need some extra water but I think you'll be just fine. Are your winters especially windy or dry? If so you might want to mulch the tree heavily and water it nicely during the winter, japanese maples like fairly consistent moisture even when they're dormant

[@loricawley54]

@@zucchinibyday Our winters tend to be both windy and dry, but it will get regular irrigation even in the winter as we still have to water then bc we r so dry here. We rarely get rain (or snow) here at all, and west Tx is very desert like, HOT, and windy. I’m going to plant it in the part of the backyard that gets afternoon shade from the house bc our house faces west, and our front yard gets the brutal afternoon Tx sun. Our water and soil tend to be very alkaline bc we get so little rain so I may have to lower the pH for the tree to be truly happy, but I don’t mind doing that if it needs it. I already lower the alkalinity for some blueberries that I have planted so I’m used to amending to adjust our soil pH. I will also mulch around the base of it to help retain moisture and give the roots some added protection. I’ve had to do that already for two new crepe myrtles and two new Shumard Red oaks that we added to the garden last fall. Tysm for the advice! Appreciate it! 😊💞

[@suzetteccc]

Wow. Thank you for making this video....in the next few days, I am planning to put a Japanese acer into the front garden which was a seedling from others we have on the property. I have one sprinkler pipe nearby, but what I don't know yet is how much room I will have as a massive Douglas Fir has just been removed. There will be roots!. I hope I get lucky. On a different note, I am also planning on putting in a box hedge in a square, just like yours. I love your garden and will be watching more videos. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for your note and for watching the video. I hope you miss all the roots. Those are so tough, aren't they? I hope it goes well for you. Good luck!

[@B30pt87]

That was very helpful, thank you. I know this is kind of a generalization, but - the videos I've watched about tree planting that were made by women have given me more useful information and much less extraneous, unnecesssary advice. I only noticed that when I was looking through my subscriptions and I saw how many were channels with female owners.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. That is an interesting observation. I am glad the video was helpful.

[@krystalynnx]

Beautiful video and wonderful yard/garden! Curious what kind of little hedges are next to your new maples! 🌿🪴

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. The short hedge is boxwood.

[@mrgreen859]

Nice video - question what's your thoughts on in ground planting with a space against a retaining wall 2x2 area to plant vs potting it.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. It depends on which side of the wall. Sometimes it can be a bit shady and cool, but if you understand the growing conditions, you can choose a plant that suits that space. I use this Missouri Botanical Garden resource to search for plants based on specific growing conditions: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx

[@k9e2v9i3n]

Hi Sue! Love the care you took of the trees before you put them in; that's a first, most just go yeet.. anyway, I need some help. I got 4 japanese maples (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', 'Going Green', 'Orange Dream', 'Butterfly') they've been sitting outside for about a week in 30cm/12inch pots. We're having 80-90°F and even in a mostly shady spot (only AM direct sunlight); I feel the wind alone is causing them to scorch on the ends of the leaves. They're properly drained; watered on a daily bases and yet.. I don't really have an out of the wind spot to put them.. Later on I'll be putting them in a clay enviroment with the same wind issue. any pointers?

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi. I am not sure what zone you garden in. In my zone (Zone 6a), the important thing is to make sure that they are protected from cold winter winds and they can't be in a low lying area. Sunburn is definitely a concern in hot area especially if there is hot, drying winds. Keep them watered. You might want to water the leaves if it is getting super hot and the tree is out of the direct sun. I'm sorry I don't have more advice.

[@dstyle00]

Great video! I planted a few JM’s this last month without digging a hole that’s 3x the size of the rootball, they seem to be doing fine, but I’m wondering if I replant the tree’s this winter when they are dormant?

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi and thanks for watching. You might want to give a local Arborist a call to get their opinion. I know it's important to untangle their roots if they are girdled. They can provide some expert advice. I don't want to misguide you. 💚

[@kiponsingan]

I've had a little discoloration on the edges of the leaves of my bloodgood.. wondering if I'm over watering (2-3x a week, just planted about 6 weeks ago) or maybe planted too deep. Didn't know about keeping the root flare exposed when I planted! Would it be worth trying to dig it back up to bring the plant up higher?

[@GardenMoxie]

It is hard to know why the edges are discoloring. If it was a container grown tree, you might want to gently use your hands to see if you can find the root flare. You definitely don't want that tree planted too deeply. Good luck!

[@sidney4329]

Do you need to save some soil in case of settling around the tree, to keep it even with the yard? I want to have just grass right up to the tree, so should I fertilize instead of mulch?

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi and thanks for watching the video. I would suggest you leave some space along the drip line of the trunk rather than have the grass growing right up against the trunk. It is difficult to trim the grass around the trunk without damaging the bark. If you are firmly packing the soil as you plant the tree to make sure the roots are in contact and the soil is firm and you are supporting the root ball, the tree shouldn't settle.

[@JRussellArtistry]

Great video! I have 2 questions. 1) What do you do with the excess dirt? I have very heavy clay soil and when I plant, I always dig way bigger holes and fill with garden soil, compost, and other amendments to make sure my plants have room to grow and establish. I'm always left with so much clay and I'm not sure what to do with it. 2) What kind of maples are those? They look like Bloodgood but I wanted to be sure. Beautiful trees and beautiful garden! Thank you! 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. I put the extra soil back into my gardens. Clay is tough. I don't envy you there. The maples are Bloodgood. They're so pretty in the Autumn.

[@zebratroopfan6695]

@@GardenMoxie I live in DFW and we have heavy clay soil and hot summers. I've planted several Japanese Maples and they are all doing fine. I do amend my soil now but in the past I planted straight in the ground. The heat is. definitely more of an issue than the soil. It took my Bloodgood about three years but its doing well now. I have a Seiryu that seems to love the heat.

[@cero39b]

Me anxiously watching after planting two trees a few days ago 😬

[@GardenMoxie]

Good luck with the new trees!!

[@onelove1116]

Me too and I planted a Japanese maple. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@rupindersidhu4096]

😂😂 me watching this about to plant mine , n thinking this could have been me😅

[@jyap9675]

Hi there, how did you measure the size of the root ball by the way on determining (3 x size of the rootball). Was this just the diameter of the pot? although not sure if that's correct as the pot looks to be already 12 inches Thanks!

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi, Yes. It is the diameter of the pot.

[@hardwood7955]

Love those trees but do they survive a zone 5a as in Ottawa, Ontario. Or maybe a 4b really. Do they grow rather large.

[@GardenMoxie]

I am not sure about how they would do in your growing zone. I'd ask someone at a local garden center for recommendations. They always have great insight about the local growing conditions.

[@pam2239]

So you did plant it next to the irrigation pipe?

[@GardenMoxie]

It is still close, but I moved it quite a bit away. It is hard to tell from the photo. That is NOT what I wanted, but I did the best I could. I would not recommend following my lead on this one.

[@EVILAKUMA]

I have a big huge root stem in the way from my home from a nearby big tree will this be a peoblem?

[@GardenMoxie]

I am not certain without knowing the details. You might want to talk to an tree person in your area.

[@scottgoodman8459]

Is it bad to plant next to the irrigation line incase the roots break the line?

[@GardenMoxie]

We are no longer using the irrigation system. And you are 100% correct. It is not ideal. I did manage to move the root ball away from the line, but if I wanted it to be done right, I would have removed the line. This is one of those terrible examples of "don't do what I do"....ha ha.

[@robertblevins4076]

I have three questions why no potting soil? And what if the maple tree comes in a brown burlap sack instead of a potting plant? Do you take the brown burlap sack off?

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello, It is best to use the native soil because that is the soil your tree will be growing its roots in. You need to look for the root flare always. Even if the tree comes in burlap. I would remove the burlap and arrange the roots so they are not wrapping around.

[@robertblevins4076]

@@GardenMoxie AWESOME THANK YOU SO MUCH! I APPRECIATE YOUR REPLY BACK!

[@robertblevins4076]

@@GardenMoxie Thank you for your time. That's exactly what I will do. Much appreciated. I will subscribe.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@robertblevins4076 You're welcome. Good luck!

[@GardenMoxie]

@@robertblevins4076 You're welcome. Happy gardening!

[@brucebeamon5460]

My J maple died because I had solar lights with wiring wrapped around the tree and it strangled the bark. It’s completely dead and it must be cut down . I definitely will plant another ( if I can find on with a good shape and healthy…. I did get this one from a bog box store but that was nearly 10 years ago …. And the ones I’ve noticed lately have been looking pretty flimsy. Guess a trip to a nursery is necessary

[@GardenMoxie]

That's a bummer your tree died. They are beautiful trees in the landscape.

[@lisayoung5582]

what kind of japanese maple you planted in this video?

[@GardenMoxie]

The variety is 'Bloodgood'.

[@Matti6950]

@@GardenMoxieoh wow bloodgood, if only i had bigger garden :d they will go 5 meter easely and then slowly 10 meter (if all things perfect). I took skeeter's broom (dwarf witch stick found on bloodgood :D). Thanks for video. Wow you earth is dry, so light brown. It now rained 890mm/square meter (or liter/m²) in winter, so it's blackish grey. In summer it might become colour yours has.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@Matti6950 The soil on my lot is quite sandy. Thanks for watching.

[@clifb.3521]

& a slow watering of 10-15 gallons of water per wk during the first 3 summers YO 🌲🌲🌲♥🌲🌲🌲🍄🍄🌰🍂🍃

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the added tip.

[@jomas1676]

No soil amendments?

[@GardenMoxie]

No soil amendments. Here is a great article about tree planting. gardenprofessors.com/problems-with-planting-trees/

[@ARTICFR0ST]

I have a bunch of trees around my house that show the roots over the grass. Was this because whoever planted the tree planted too shallow?

[@GardenMoxie]

It depends. There are types of trees that are shallow rooted. I am guessing you have maples.

[@ARTICFR0ST]

@@GardenMoxie yes they are all maples

[@GardenMoxie]

@@ARTICFR0ST Maple roots do run close to the surface of the soil.

[@GT1Vette]

Why didn't you put the grass back?

[@GardenMoxie]

I want to keep the planting hole mulched, but not covered with grass.

[@larrystamp9590]

And you still planted the tree next to the water line.

[@GardenMoxie]

Isn't that awful? I agree. Although it is not as close as it looks in the video, you should not have anything interfering with the roots. I pulled the level of the hose higher and the tree is planted 8 inches away, but it is not ideal. That is the only place I could position the maple to ensure it gets enough sunlight and isn't under big trees in my backyard.

[@deanle604]

Kind of not smart to plant the tree in this pipe

[@John-wr6yo]

A diamond point spade is so much more efficient than a square blade spade . They both have their specific purpose. I am a firm believer in over-sized holes and a good healthy dose of organic compost and michorazial starting fungi in the hole near the roots. Magic fungi