How to Plant a Japanese Maple (How to Plant Grafted Trees)

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This video is a detailed description of how to plant a Japanese Maple. This video not only applies to Japanese Maples, but also to any grafted trees. Be sure to raise the tree several inches above the original grade and don't cover the graft with soil or mulch. Planting a Japanese Maple in clay soil.
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30 Allen Rd. Clayton, NC 27520

[@Naldo_S1K]

4 years and still helping out! Just planted my tree today! Fingers crossed!

[@greetthemind]

How’d it go? Gonna go get one and plant it today

[@Naldo_S1K]

@@greetthemind it's doing well! I followed these instructions and no issues so far. Steadily growing and getting more and more deep colored leaves! Now, my Mulberry bush on the the other hand... 😂

[@rebeccawoods4488]

I wish we had watched this before we planted our small Japanese maple. Zone seven here, and it really fried in full sun. Trying to revive it in a pot now and giving it more shade. Thank you for your wonderful videos! Heading to 100,000!👍🏼

[@donnabelitz3105]

Exceptional video very easy to follow and very informative!! I'm so envious of a lady in our neighborhood who has a Japanese maple in her front yard, it's so gorgeous!!

[@ndchick1]

I have several Japanese maples to plant in my Raleigh garden. This is super helpful! Thanks, Jim.

[@Shunya0101]

This is what I needed to see for my coral bark maple. I’ve had it for two weeks in the pot trying to figure out where to plant it. I will plant on the East side of my house where it gets full sun until around noon, and shade for the rest of the day. Thanks for the great videos and advice. 👍🏻

[@jaclyncox427]

Thank you for this video! I learned a lot and feel more confident planting my next Japanese maple. You made it look so easy though, I'm very petite and it took me 45 minutes to dig a hole and transplant a weeping Tamukeyama and I was drenched in sweat! haha

[@maryhead3086]

Excellent tips for planting; I just purchased a Japanese Maple and am awaiting it's arrival. I most certainly want to be prepared with how to plant and care for it upon it's arrival. You did a magnificent job of explaining the how to's and don'ts. Thank you!

[@stephenwilliams6349]

Thank you for this video. I purchased a home last year and one of the first things I did was buy this tree. I have clay soil but did not find out until a few months later. Of course I totally murdered this tree. Decided that I would never plant again but this video brought me back to life. Thank you

[@BMCM_CG]

Found your channel tonight since I am planning a landscape for our backyard. You are very informative and I look forward to viewing more of your video's. We are in Hampstead, NC zone 8a.

[@JimPutnam]

+Karel Mullen Welcome. Thanks

[@Dachshundwarlord]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you for posting and taking the time!

[@JimPutnam]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@Shunya0101]

Me too.

[@Marist83USA]

Good tip on keeping the graft part above ground. Thanks.

[@ACGreviews]

excellent job

[@tukki649]

Another great review. Lol, did not expect to see you here. Cheers ACG!

[@librarianruns]

Incredibly helpful, thank you so much!

[@annythompson1120]

Love this video I just started to plant a few trees in my back yard and didn't know does tips. Thanks

[@dbueter]

Thank you! We are planting a maple today!

[@josealvarado9858]

Thanks for share your video. Excellent and simple explanation.

[@BrandonTran]

I'm very glad you are calling out planting trees higher than ground level. I've seen many trees die in my neighborhood because of being planted too low where the ground is wet as well. I take it a step further and plant aggressively high because, a nursery potted tree root flair is almost always lower than the soil line. Multi-dimensional landscapes create more visual interest. Root flair is a very cool feature of a tree. Happy planting all.

[@gregleach5833]

Brandon Tran The old saying on trees is plant em high and they won’t die , plant em low and they won’t grow

[@acertreesjapanesemaples]

That's well pointed out Brandon, Jim's concern of the graft union being so close to compost level in the pot, I wouldn't be surprised if the root flare is 1-3 inches below that compost, that looks like one small advantageous root at the back of base of trunk, the root flare I'm betting is much deeper, even with Jim's mound planting of keeping the trunk base higher by 2-3 inches, the trees root flare could well be in theory the same level as the ground level if not still lower. As you've pointed out Brandon, so many nursery trees are underplanted, and we trust in the 'professionals' regarding the purchased tree being at the right depth in its compost, but so many times this is incorrect, and only when the tree gets serious issues at a later date, do we realise the hard way, just how deep the root flare can be, we need to use our own judgement more and check before planting out or repotting and to remove the top soil carefully (when tree is dormant) and find exactly where the root flare level is and adjust the correct compost level thereafter, best regards gentleman 👍

[@Callum-pe6il]

Love the vid it was really interesting.

[@maxandmaggie2010]

Thank you for the info.

[@thomasjohnson4130]

Great information!

[@iamtrapped1]

Great advice.

[@kaylac3367]

I like all the information you share. Thank you. Do you think you could do a video on more of the varieties of Japanese maples and maybe how to prune. I'm interested in planting some in my yard (zone 7a) and I have a lot of sun.

[@mbnyus]

Great video Thank you..!!!

[@NimrodTargaryen]

Thanks Jim!

[@JimPutnam]

Thanks for watching

[@pennyduncan5980]

Love the J maples

[@miller4hats]

Thanks!

[@praballunavat5651]

Great! Thank you.

[@LOVE2Flute]

Thank you!

[@sloandaniels9950]

Never knew they were grafted. Great vid

[@davidsupertramp]

they are not all grafted. some are "seedlings" which are not grafted.

[@roxybuell9898]

I didn't know about the ' grafting thing, either. But, my daughter and I just planted my Butterfly Japanese Maple today. I told her to put top of it's dirt, even with the ground. Oh boy ? Plus, do You stake them, if so, how or what purpose ? Am 70, only planted a Blue Sores and a regular Japanese Maple, when he was here,years ago and they seemed to come out alright. I don't see any answers on here from the fella who made the video.

[@lorilorihallelujah1753]

I really love your videos, you are always a wealth of informative, better than most other people's videos. By the way, unless I misunderstood, you mixed bark in your soil. According to Garden Professor's Blog on Facebook and Linda Chalker-Scott "Garden Myths" if bark or wood chips get inside your soil they will use up the nitrogen, that your tree needs, in your soil to decompose. I'm not trying to correct you. I know that you know much, much more than I do. Just an FYI.

[@JimPutnam]

+LoriLori Hallelujah That would be true of hardwood bark for sure. We use pink bark only. That is what almost all shrubs and trees are grown in. Thanks for watching

[@mikemayfield5172]

Jim, I am a new subscriber and I absolutely love your videos. I have thought about getting a Japanese maple, but I need to put a tree into a spot that is mostly shade. What can you recommend that would grow toeight or 10 feet at least and still be healthy and shade?

[@michellelandvik4009]

Thanks for the great video. This feels like a stupid question, but I can't find the answer anywhere. Do I plant a small Japanese maple with the dowel/stick that it comes with, or throw the stick away?

[@desiderata219]

Hi Jim. I just got a 1 gallon viridis Japanese maple to keep in a large container on my deck. Should I pot it up multiple times using smaller sized pots or plant it directly into a large pot? I do understand to keep the graft point above the soil line.

[@michelleschultz3451]

Great video. Do you ever stake a tree after planting it so it contiues to grow straight?

[@RLMUD]

Hey buddy, Im new to the landscaping thing and it looks like you know your stuff. My question to you is, Im getting a fire glow, and like you Im in zone 7. Im wondering what the best time to sink her in the ground would be? The maple is about 5 feet tall. Im thinking mid April but would love your advice. Thanks

[@Crazyafrican]

I live in north Cyprus and I'm going to get myself one, I also really like the cherry blossom tree which I will be getting aswell I really think they are lovely trees , one question do these trees do well in hot climates such as the Mediterranean climate and will appreciate any tips on taking care of the trees

[@DavideGiuseppe35]

Jim, could you explain the proper orientation of graft? I’ve read it should point north or avoid direct sun. Appreciate your videos!

[@fostinator69]

Can u do a video on the redpointe maple and other similar hybrids

[@tomrecite5614]

Thanks

[@linadechiara7889]

Hi Jim. Thank you so much for this video! This was very helpful since I have clay soil also. I live in northern Maryland, zone 7 from what I’ve researched. I was hoping you could help me. I have a tamukeyama and inaba shidare Japanese maple. Both very very young from what I can tell. Definitely not as big as the one in your video. My question is this.. someone had recommended that since it’s still so young and my front yard gets hit hard with sunlight in the afternoon hours, that I keep it in a pot for maybe the first year or so to protect it from that direct heat which could scorch the leaves. They also gave me some potting soil and some shredded mulch. Do you think that’s a good idea? I read somehere that since Japanese maples can adapt very well to most soil that I may be hurting it by my using potting soil only to transfer it to our native soil (clay). I’m really hoping to get help. I’m very very new to all this and I don’t want to damage the trees and want to do well by them :-). Thank you for your help and your videos!

[@1888CHAD8881]

Awesome tips, plant it high.. it will settle down some from the loose soil underneath. Also don't plant in the summer if you can help it.

[@roblongarini6835]

Would it be advisable to provide a stake for the tree to assist in supporting it?

[@marionallen2222]

Haha I found a new video!!! I love my Jim Putnam encyclopedia of all plants 🪴 💚🤍🖤🌸🌺🌳🌳🌳 thanks so much for all you do!!! 🤍💚🖤

[@DRONESVU]

thanks

[@solaris8x86]

Hi, I have a Baby Japanese maple tree about 1 feet tall but it is hard to find out which type it is. Telling from its leaf. Its shape is very close to Bloodgood and Coral Bark (Sango Kaku). The edge of the leaf has a little brown-rim but it is not totally "dark purple" as shown in your video for Bloodgood (but its leaf look like a bloodgood) How to tell what actually is it? Thanks

[@myk1200s]

Hi Jim, Question : I'm assuming then that you don't need to secure the tree with a stake then ❓

[@miguelmitchell6940]

Can I grow it in a container placed in the ground? I'm trying to plant it approximately 10ft away from the house.

[@connielahman5725]

Hi there, I just purchased a bloodgood maple.The nursery said to put wood stakes on each side for at least a year or so to train to be upright.What’s your opinion on that? I live in Northern California where we have hot summers.I put the tree in a place that has sun until about 1:30 then begins the partial shading with full shade about 3pm. I hope that will will for my maple.Thanks for an awesome how to video

[@nolagirl7082]

Hello.. I just purchased a Japanese maple “Skeeter’s Broom”. I live in a zone 9A which is iffy with Japanese Maples. I know it’s a big risk and there’s a good chance it will not thrive, but I think they are so beautiful, I just have to give it a try! With that being said, do you have any suggestions for me? I think I’m going to put it in a container, that way I can control the amount of sun it’s getting. What I’m wondering is how far deep into the pot should the tree be placed? And how much soil should I put on top. I don’t know if those questions make any sense, I’m a new gardener so I don’t know all of the correct English/wording for gardening, haha! I guess what I’m asking is how deep should the tree be placed into the container. Should I place it real deep with a bunch of soil on top? Or should I have it a lot closer to the surface?

[@GreenMamba927]

Hey Jim, I'm having a really tough time locating pine bark soil conditioner. Had to plant my Japanese maple without it, but would like to add it in once the ground thaws in the spring. Any suggestions on where to find it?

[@101508877]

Thanks for making this video. I have a similar Japanese tree and I want to put in the soil. However the soil is very mudy and moist . It has been raining here in since its September. When do you think it's ideal to plant it?

[@ferrydejagher2033]

Very nice video!! Why is it bad to bury the graft under the soil? Also there are so many different opinions, as to where a JM can be placed. Some say partial, sun, other say shade, then people say they can take full sun no problem. I live in the netherlands and my five maples were scorching last year.. new leaves came through, but never made it.. so this year I will try to place them in a place with morning sun.

[@powderhounding]

What is the purpose of the pine hay, to retain water?

[@vanguy9780]

Just saw your video. After getting a closeup look at your soil I knew exactly where you are. Nobody has compacted orange clay soil like NC. Thanks for the tips

[@chuk0one47]

Nice video help a lot ?

[@tidbit220]

Hello, Jim! I have an older Japanese Maple that was in the ground before we moved here five years ago. It is currently covered with green mossy patches. I am not sure what this means, but I wondered if it is dying and what I should do about it. Thank you!

[@tyranthunter2638]

Thanks again. why do they graft japanese maples? Also I live in 9b and have some very young japanese weeping maples in pots keep them in shade all day am I in a losing battle or can I bring in during summer?

[@anthonychappell4746]

Just curious, why would fertilizing in Summer, Fall, or winter not be advised?

[@chuk0one47]

I live in Southern California I purchased two maples 1 its a bloodgood red maple 2nd is a lion head maple I bought them from up north Bakersfield got them Sunday bout to plant them Saturday morning any Suggesting on what to do before planting them on front end f my house. Any help is more then welcome

[@how-u-do-that-thang]

What kind and size shovel are you using there?

[@cjems1053]

What kind of shovel are you using? Is it a narrow square end shovel? Your video is so informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@JimPutnam]

It is a trenching shovel. It is linked in the bottom of the video under products I use. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewbrieno6749]

So I got 3 October glory Maples, 2 of the 3 took off and are flourishing, the 3rd was the best at the beginning and now it's looking very bad over the course of 3 days, I know that where I am water is a issue, but is that a big enough problem to cause such a drastic change, of not what should I look for to fix?

[@TheWOLFMAN6220]

I'm in Zone 4. Can I plant my Japanese maple on the north side?

[@chrischilders4762]

When should I transplant my mikawa???

[@PrototypeBMX]

i cant tell if uk zone 7 is same as usa zone 7 where are you in usa im in scotland we can get -10c to -15c here i think where i live in glasgow was -17c last winter my acer survived in a pot but i have 14 of them now so i think ill need to wrap some last year mine was maybe 2 inches in from the side this summer its roots have spread to the width of its pot

[@mynameisneb]

I have a Fireglow Japanese Maple that I am about to plant, any suggestions on where to plant like full sun or part shade??

[@JimPutnam]

Fireglow is definitely a part shade variety. Thanks for watching

[@joshuawampler7208]

What kind of shovel are you using?

[@littlebeebs1]

Another great video! Thanks ! Now I realize I may have planted mine all wrong . One is on the west side of my house and will get all afternoon sun . The other is in the east side of the yard and may get all day sun . I better watch them and see how the sun hits each all day . They’ll probably fry where they are .

[@jamesknight5860]

for some of us who don't speak "Suthurn," could you please clarify what you mean by "suckers" growing from the base of the tree?

[@sagitta12]

Suckers isn't a southern term. Tree suckers are growths that stem from the tree root system. They will slow the growth and divert nutrients. They're basically branches on the low end in the case this man mentioned. It only took a minute for me to confirm on Google.

[@masterdon1521]

Do you live in NC?

[@adriancarillo4866]

I am planting a Japanese maple this weekend... I’m in zone 9, do you recommend anything for the ground? Soil conditioner? Anything? Thank you

[@SStoll-dz1cp]

I know it’s been 9 months since you planted your tree....how is it going? I too live in a zone 9... super hot in the summer & wondering if should plant one or not.?

[@Josef_R]

@@SStoll-dz1cp I checked with LSU's horticulture site and they said they are fine as long as they are shaded after noon. I'm near Baton Rouge, zone 9.

[@michelleschultz3451]

Hi Jim, I have an older Japanese Maple at the corner of my house. It was planted by previous owners. It has 4 trunks, it's difficult to tell the main trunk and some branches rub against my house. It's shaded by a beautiful white dogwood, which it stays green all summer and red in spring and fall. When is the best time to prune it so I can stop it from rubbing against my house. It is a challenge as to how to prune it without damaging it. I think the previous owners didn't realize how big the tree would grow in the space they planted it in.

[@JimPutnam]

+Michelle Schultz I would prune it in late February before it starts leafing out. If it is well established you can be pretty aggressive with it. The big problem is if those extra trunks have grown from below the graft they need to be cut completely down and only keep the original tree. If I were guessing I would say that the original tree died and the only thing that is there is the root stock tree

[@michelleschultz3451]

Thanks, Jim. Your answer is very helpful. I will have to check to see. What do we need to do if that is the case? It's still very pretty. Do we save one trunk and cut the rest?

[@MariaHernandez-wu5vf]

Excuse me what cane of soil needs a blood maple tree?

[@AndreaJohnston117]

Great video, thanks! Question - with regards to watering - we were advised to water our tree twice per week, but they didn't say for how long. Also, we are in the thick of heavy rain season right now, if it has rained substantially twice in a week - would I still need to water it? Thanks!!

[@tylerwaxman7512]

Not at all, too wet will kill it.

[@judybell4433]

My Coral Japanese maple part of the trunk with black what happened

[@DoloresABerg]

how do I plant a japanese in sandy soil

[@rutherfordclan5693]

When you say grapht do u mean the knuckle of tree?

[@JimPutnam]

Yea

[@abbondanza23]

I put fertilizer in the mix 10-10-10

[@khizarhayat2937]

By suckers you mean roots?

[@Randle695]

Can a japanese maple have full sun??

[@Lucky-fj5qw]

You didn't fix the problem.. It's still leaning

[@browpetj]

Why didnt you bury the graft union? There is an argument that burying it will allow the scion to establish it's own roots. UK we now have copper beech trees 100s of years old failing at the graft. Grafts rarely last as long as proper roots. Graft unions have many inclusions (causing mechanical weaknesses) and are generally immunologically compromised. Fair enough if the rootstock is put there for disease resistance or nutrient restriction. But, Jap maples are grafted predominantly for mass production purposes. Check your cultivar, it has strong natural roots already. If you want maximum lifespan, grow some roots! ;) PS: this low graft will have greater forces on it due to leverage... the industry generally grafts trees that need the stock for immunity, aesthetics or vigor higher so that there is no danger of burying it (fruit trees or weeping trees for example). I look forward to hearing your reasoning for not burying the union.

[@JimPutnam]

Well you would have to consider the purpose of the graft. if the rootstock is dwarfing and the scion is vigorous and the scion forms roots the end result is a vigorous tree. If the rootstock was chosen for disease or nematode resistance you would not want to bury it deep. Also, in clay soils like mine I would never consider burying that wood regardless. So if I'm making a video on this I will say leave it up, because I don't know the reason for the grafts.

[@bababooey1266]

My Japanese maple is slanted

[@isaacjones4348]

I think the important thing though is don’t plant a Japanese maple. They contribute very little to the local biome. Consider instead a native ornamental tree or a stately Oak, Black Walnut, or Wild Cherry Tree. A native flowering dogwood also works for smaller trees. Native populations generally cannot survive on introduced plants. That means songbirds that depend on those insects also have less food. Songbirds the feed their young caterpillars require hundreds of them per day from a 50 yard radius. We need to think about this every time we plant anything not native to that locale.

[@JimPutnam]

I'm a big proponent of natives, but there is definitely a place for noninvasive non-native plants in the landscape. Likely if we planted all natives everywhere we would see disease problems increase in those populations. The reason is that people would only use maybe 50 native plants.

[@user-hb3dn2vc1e]

根の保護も無く、木の正面も決めず、明らかにpHの違う土壌に押し込んで 水のポケットも作らずふみかためてる。 もっと優しく取り扱ってあげて。水もたっぷり与えてあげて

[@johnames6430]

that's not a bloodgood

[@jzizzles7799]

why are japanese maples grafted? its a tree. leave it be.

[@JimPutnam]

+jzizzles It is mostly to make sure you get the variety that you want. If you grow them from seed, often the seed is not the parent plant but a cross of two different varieties. The second reason is that the root stock is a more vigorous and cold hardy variety.