How To Water Your Japanese Maple

Proper watering is crucial for Japanese maples to thrive, whether they're planted in the ground or in containers. These trees do not tolerate overly wet or boggy conditions, so ensuring excellent drainage is key. This applies whether they're in a pot with sufficient drainage holes or planted directly into the soil.
In containers, it's vital to avoid using water trays underneath the pot, as this can lead to root rot issues. Japanese maples in containers require more frequent watering compared to those planted in the ground, as their roots are confined.
Using the finger test is recommended to determine when to water. Wait until the top inch or two of soil feels dry before watering again. This approach helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering, which can have similar detrimental effects on the tree's health.
During winter, occasional watering may be necessary, especially if the area doesn't receive natural rainfall. However, it's crucial not to let the soil become overly wet, as this can lead to root problems.
Understanding the environmental conditions, such as sun exposure and seasonal changes, is also important. Japanese maples in full sun may require more water to prevent leaf scorching, whereas those in shaded areas should be monitored to avoid overwatering.
Overall, Japanese maples need consistent moisture levels to thrive, but it's equally crucial to ensure their roots are never waterlogged. Balanced watering practices help these trees establish healthy root systems and maintain their overall health and vigor.
How much should I water my Japanese maple?
Should I water my maple over the winter?
How should I water my Japanese maple?
Watch this video for all the answers. #Japanesemaples are easy to water. The key is that Japanese maples like good drainage, but also like regular amounts of water. The key when planting is to not to over water your tree. It is best to water your Japanese maple, then allow that to dry out. Once you give the soil around your Japanese maple the finger test and realize that it has dried out, then it is time to water again. Watering times in different soils in different environmental conditions may vary, It is best to figure out what works best for your tree.! #acerpalmatum #maples
mrmaple.com

[@sndman60]

Matt, Tim, very informative video on watering J. Maples. Suggestion, do a walking through video while speaking to a specific subject or technique for Japanese Maples and show a few of your examples. Demonstrations work to enhance the information as well, such as illustrating maples in container sizes and how, specifically, to determine the proper watering amount. I have purchased a couple of the Japanese maples, a Patsy and Sango Kaku, both very beautiful and thriving. Thank you for your attention to the quality, care, and superior customer added value. Very excited about future videos and more Maple purchases.

[@Rhoeny]

agree, seeing them determine so I can replicate is so helpful

[@fabulously695]

@@Rhoeny he kinda says in the Video that he can’t. Everyone’s conditions are different, in summer each of my maples gets watered on different days as they need it , one of my friends down the road waters 2 times a day, a neighbourhood appart. You shouldn’t strive to replicate, you should strive to understand

[@Rhoeny]

@@fabulously695 yes but all of them are different due to given conditions, and if it's explained with conditions, we can assume how to work on ours better.

[@fabulously695]

@@Rhoeny its not really as simple as that, current weather, changing climate, potting mix, pot choice, cultivar differences etc mean you could be looking at 5+ hour videos for each of those, the potting mix and cultivar difference videos could be several days long even. The possible combinations of each factor really is limitless and changing one factor could upset the rest of the balance.

[@Rhoeny]

@@fabulously695 you don't need absolutely perfect info for every variation, but the more, the better. Increasing chance inch by inch helps

[@hawkeye3902]

Great video. Thank you! One video suggestion would be to have an episode for helping save an overwatered Japanese maple in a pot. Would love to hear your professional take on this

[@MrMapleShow]

Great suggestion!

[@Nicholas-db5sl]

All my Japanese Acers are in Terracotta Pots, some quite large. I tend to water mine using a watering can, so I can measure what volume of water I’m giving to each pot. It’s a weekly event, however, I keep an eye on the Weather conditions too -particularly if it’s windy for a few days as that wind will evaporate the moisture content of your pot!

[@MrMapleShow]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MorganScorpion]

I have just received my very first Japanese maple. Appreciate your channel!

[@nolagirl7082]

Great video! I don’t have a Japanese Maple yet, I’m actually in the market for one right now. But this was a very informative video. I think you made a great point about over watering, and that can go for anything, not just a Japanese maple tree. I’m always worrying about over watering! Im a new gardener with only a few years experience under my belt, but I’m learning it’s just one of those things you have to really get in there and make some mistakes to learn!

[@stephenkendall839]

A pruning video would be useful as well. ie hard prune in winter and light prune in spring etc

[@MrSnuggs]

You don't have to prune. But if you must. Best time to do it, late winter. Worse time? Early spring. And only once every 2+ years

[@bkilpatr100]

What is considered "dried out soil'? When I think it's time to water, I dig down about 3 inches and grab a palm full of soil. I squeeze it together and if the soil clumps in my hand, I consider it wet. If no clumping I water, but the soil is still damp.

[@maryellenjacobson9793]

Very informative! Especially about planting annuals around them, then having to water too frequently! Also about care in the garage in the winter in Midwest. Thank you!

[@heartlandscolorcarecarpetd1157]

Where in Midwest are you ? I’m in Nebraska

[@patriciaphillips4011]

Mr. Maple is a fantastic plant source. I order both maples and native azaleas from them.

[@Arlon66]

Hi guys, great video, much appreciated! An observation I did last year experiencing verticillium vilt on my j. maple. I dug it up (since its only been in the ground for 2 years) and potted it in a suitable pot. Then I reminded my self of the effects Colloidal silver have on fungai so I watered my maple with a solution of CS and water twice and low and behold the fungai regressed and dissapeared and my maple is thriving👍🤗

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

Thanks guys ❣️

[@aaronwithrow761]

Love these informational videos guys, super practical and helpful. Would love to see a pruning video. How to prune for best growth and aesthetics for the various forms.

[@stephenkendall839]

A video tour of your nursery in spring would be great. Also a tour of your gardens that you have used for some of the cultivar videos would be great too. I am still waiting for my Sekimori video which I was told was coming up last spring 😀

[@bonniedeen85]

Have maples in pots on sunny deck. Use patio umbrellas to prevent leaf burn. Auburn CA

[@razor2ts]

Loving these latest how too vid guys, any chance on doing a pruning vid? Thanks from England ( Ray )

[@JerryWhitelock-e1j]

Thank you you are the only ones that explained it so city boy can get it

[@MrMapleShow]

Thanks for watching.

[@LESLIESTRICKLAND-y5y]

🎉 show the public how to properly support larger Japanese maples thru the harsher months and also what should soil condition should be like for optimum health and growth growth

[@MrMapleShow]

Good suggestions. One key is good drainage for sure. Maples work zone 5 but some protection maybe needed in a polar vortex or weather swing. Make sure to check out some of our videos on colder temps

[@LinusCello75]

Can you provide recommendations on companion plants and/or groundcover plants for Japanese maples? Likewise for dwarf Japanese maples?

[@TheCattwooduk]

Personally I really like ferns underplanting some of my maples as they generally like similar conditions, especially part or dappled shade. The other thing I use is grasses - there's so many colours and sizes and you can get varieties for full shade to full sun. Both ferns and grasses contrast foliage shape and colour really well and can also keep to a Japanese scheme if you pick the right ones.

[@robertm.1691]

I planted some Mukdenia under a Japanese Maple - its a lesser know perennial for shade or part shade. Like Japanese maples, it had nice fall colour - my variety is red. So it makes a nice companion plant.

[@rickyditlof9320]

I live in toronto and I wish you guys shipped to Canada. Your videos are always helpful and im growing two of my own in zone 4.

[@MrMapleShow]

Acer psudosieboldianum cultivars can work in zone 4

[@layersoflaurel]

Great video! Thank you very much for sharing!

[@hemiedup5501]

You guys should do tree give away to your subscribers for their support to the channel

[@MrMapleShow]

We do this all time! Every single live video we give away a few during the video to someone in chat! New one soon

[@Nastyjoie1]

Thankyou for the tips buddies 💤👍 watching here from Edinburgh Scotland United Kingdom 🇬🇧atsuuup 👍

[@DavidRogers-o5e]

Helpful advice, thanks 😎

[@MrMapleShow]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eddyvandeven5963]

Can you make a video about prunining young japanese maples.

[@doudoubleg]

Peter Chan made a few videos about young maple bonsai that include trimming and tips. I think the channel is Herons Bonsai.

[@ikillprettythingz7947]

You gained a new subby here. You guys have great content. You really did your homework 😊

[@allanlafoe8557]

Excellent. Love these Tutorial videos. Over watering was definitely a problem for me early on. Moisture meter helped. Looking forward to seeing Tutorial videos on branch and root pruning. When and how much. Do you cut back on the height? Or will the tree fill out naturally. Love these videos especially for a novice like me. Thanx

[@nolagirl7082]

I’m always worrying about over watering.. I will have to check out this moisture meter you are talking about🌻

[@allanlafoe8557]

@@nolagirl7082 try Amazon Reotemp moisture meter. Its 30 bucks. You can get a cheaper one for 10 or 15$ but they are not durable and the probes are fragile. After breaking 2 I bought the better one and it hasn't broken

[@nolagirl7082]

@@allanlafoe8557 Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to message me back. I will go put it in my Amazon cart right now. Looking forward to the spring season, happy gardening to you Allan!🌼🌸

[@allanlafoe8557]

@@nolagirl7082 You are welcome. Back atcha. Enjoy your spring

[@marinelabeacock4701]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@johnbell9865]

Very helpful thank you.

[@blooky102]

I once bought a grafted Japanese maple, however that graft failed 1 week after I bought it and it lost all its leaves but I didn't give up on it so I just kept it where it was and it started growing new green leaves with red outlines which I even preferred more where the graft wasnt ,so I cut off the graft and I'm hoping it grows well into a bonsai.

[@1ronhall]

Nice work fellas!!

[@MrMapleShow]

Appreciate it!

[@charleszepf5568]

What am I suppose to look for on the finger test!

[@MrMapleShow]

Make sure it’s not damp

[@VeronicaHernandez-glmskus]

Thank you

[@MrMapleShow]

You're welcome

[@FishinmattRyann]

can you do a how to fertilize and prune?

[@MrMapleShow]

We have a fertilizer one already make sure to check it out

[@jonas_sickler]

Do you have any videos on proper planting depth? I see lots of Japanese maples planted too deep, so I’m sure that topic would be useful.

[@pozzee2809]

Yes, that would be good. I just uncovered mine to the root flare which I didn’t know until recently, that it should never be covered.

[@RobertSchmitt]

how about using a moisture meter and soak in a bowl when it's dry

[@andrewbetrosian2784]

Thank you, you may have just saved my maple. I was thinking it being from Japan it would need a lot of water but noooooo.

[@BestNCBBQ]

MR Maple Podcast

[@jeffzimmerman25]

Good info thanks!

[@slobodanzvekanov4003]

Hi. Great video. I am new to this channel and i already like it. Any plans for one video about best way how to propagate japanese maple?

[@waeltfaily]

Thank you for all this info! I live in Canada where temperatures go down to -20/-25C with heavy snowfall and wind storms. I just got a new Japanese Bloodgood tree (a slender, young one) and, since I live in an apartment, I’m putting it in a container on my balcony where it will have full sun exposure. Do you think it will survive out in the cold? Please advise!

[@62orbetter33]

Hey do you have any ideas on how to shade a Japanese maple? We have some maples we put in a brand new house. There’s not a lot of shade around the maples and I think it’ll be hot during the summer. Any thoughts for what I can do to help save them?

[@6155ish]

I purchased a home with a huge maple, not sure what type, still researching, but the owner tells me he planted it in the 80's, in the east side of the house, it's about 10 ft wide and 10-15 feet tall, it's beautiful. I have discovered that we should only prune it in late September! It doesn't have much color in it and I want to fertilize it but not sure. Any recommendations, we live in GA.

[@benfullerton9047]

Hey guys I know this is an older video so hopefully you see this comment. I have a new tree (been following your watering advice to the tee!) which I planted within the year and was wondering as it’s not established, would watering it every 2 weeks with half the volume it usually receives in spring/summer be alright during the winter? Or would once a month suffice? It doesn’t snow here and our winters can be dry at times (Australia, Melbourne) our zone is 10b. Loving the content so far!

[@MrMapleShow]

I’m not familiar with your area but we typically only water 2-3 times a month in winter here in Nc zone 6b

[@laurathayer559]

The leaves of my young coral bark got sunburned.this past summer.. Fortunately, the tree itself survived and the leaves are still hanging on, although not very pretty. Is there anything I should do for the fall/winter so that the foliage will thrive and will look better in the spring?

[@robertfusselman8108]

Okay so I have 2 things to ask. First I got a new dewrf Japanese maple and the tips of the leaves after putting it in the ground it looks like a light brown at the tips of the leaves. I used a mushrooms mulch around it but not sure if I'm not watering it enough. This tree is very young. 2nd we have a larger Japanese maple in our yard and it had a beautiful red to the leaves but now there turning almost like a yellow or light tan color. I have alot of larger trees around it and not sure if this has something to do with what is going on. Pennsylvania is where I'm from so not sure how to properly take care of these but love them and trying to learn about them ty

[@sameanrodriguez9470]

Liking these shows....I agree about a pruning video.

[@chloek.5076]

I was told by my nursery to water my Japanese maple daily for the 1st year I planted it. The leaves are not all crispy at the tips. I’m very confused

[@khol3167]

Can u recommend a soil mix ratio and how to winterize a new tree in a pot in zone 4b

[@danielvinuesa08]

Can I add vermiculite with my compose in a pot? It’s a good idea or not??

[@gweneciajackson9669]

I live in California and My Bloodgood Japanese maple tree is planted in the front of my house that has direct sunlight over 6hrs. Should I put mulch around the tree and fertilize it? This December will be a yr since it was planted. It looks brownish and right now the tree has rocks around it, is that ok? Sorry for being so long

[@MrMapleShow]

Check out our video on rocks. It maybe to much residual heat. Depends some on the heat index also. Typically Bloodgood does ok in the sun once established

[@lindavorhis6925]

Can you please address using an olla watering system for planting a small Japanese maple in the ground. How many, and what size ollas would work for, say, an Osakazuki?

[@MrMapleShow]

I have never tried an Olla on a Japanese maple. I wouldn’t recommend it though because it’s likely to much water. This is mostly used for vegetables and plants that require more water than maples

[@klrbill]

Hey do you guys wholesaler liners to small fry nurseries? I'm interested in finding a supplier and would love an availability list.

[@MrMapleShow]

Sorry we are currently only retail

[@Leyenda1]

They do just fine up here in Washington state where it rains a ton...

[@MrMapleShow]

Yes but good drainage is super important still

[@adriennem3168]

Another great video! What is the largest size pot I can put your beautiful one gallon plants into?

[@MrMapleShow]

You can do as large as you want but they will got more quickly if you move them up to a pot 6” to 8” wider at a time

[@elizabethnelms2564]

Great info. I just planted a seedling. I put white rocks on top. Now I am wondering if that was a bad idea.

[@ernestomolinajr3582]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your video-I have a question. I have a Red Leaf Japanese Maple Tree and I live in Zone 9. (Deep South Texas) The tips of the leaves of my Japanese Tree are getting scorched. Some people recommend me to move it to a shade location (it gets direct sunlight from morning until 6pm) to avoid scorching. What would you recommend to avoid scorching and at the same time having red leaves? Thanks in advance !

[@selahattinkaptan5495]

hi great videos as always guy..i m living in Norway where it rains so much all the time..i have 5 j maple tress and they are always wet in the pots...what do u recommend for me to do? thanks a lot

[@MrMapleShow]

Try to create a mix that will help with drainage. Maples really don’t like wet feet especially in winter. Try a mix that drains very quickly but you will need to water more often.

[@selahattinkaptan5495]

@@MrMapleShow thanks a lot

[@donaldcapps9759]

I currently have 150 Japanese maple and Zone 7 do I need to keep them warm in the winter they are in pots in a small Greenhouse and I would thank you very much for your opinion

[@MrMapleShow]

We are 6b here and we don’t heat the greenhouses unless we have extreme changes in leaf in the spring. Typically maples work outside zones 5-9 but in pots outside they work 6-9 with protection from extreme changes.

[@mohsinbaba6786]

My Japanese maple leaves just started to grow a week ago but now the leaves are drooping. What to do? Please help

[@myk1200s]

Great information, I just received my first Japanese maple (Emperor 1) when planting should I place a stake next to it ❓thanks....

[@MrMapleShow]

You can stake it anytime but spring is the easiest time to bend one to the stake

[@mohammadfaheemkhan3640]

Can you make a vid on how to make a bonsai?

[@karencopley1921]

There are videos on bonsai from heron bonsai on KZbin it’s brilliant check it out

[@bflei23]

How do you tell the difference in sun scorch vs a disease/fungus that needs to be treated? My lace leaf j. maple has lost so many leaves (dried up/fallen off) throughout the summer but is also still producing new red leaves. I’m not sure what is going on. It’s over ten years old and planted in the ground zone 7a/b. Thanks!

[@MrMapleShow]

Might be best to get it into some shade until it’s more established. If it’s rebudding like that it’s typically a conditional stress

[@bflei23]

@@MrMapleShow mine is in the ground at the front of my house so I can’t move it. Ideas on how to give it shade? It’s rather large.

[@MrMapleShow]

@@bflei23 ah ok well in that instance I would make sure it’s not staying to wet but also getting watered in well during the summer. Make sure to water thoroughly but then let it dry out completely between waterings

[@bflei23]

@@MrMapleShow recommendations on water (amount/frequency) in zone 7b where it’s been constantly in the 90s? Thanks!

[@MsRenatad]

Hey there, I enjoy your show; thanks-question: how do I know if I can revive a Japanese Maple tree? We bought a fixer in Califonia and are experiencing major drought and temperatures as high as 113F. I don't know how old the trees are, but they seem very dry with dead leaves and some small new growth. Great tip on the soggy feet for planning planting around them. Do I water more in these conditions? And once per week? Thank you!

[@MrMapleShow]

You should see more buds form. You can also scratch the tree to see if it has green cambium below

[@69mariner]

Our red Japanese maple turned green! It gets sun and water. I’d like to know how to turn it back to red and I have read all the research. Should I not mulch under the tree?

[@gomalakarat]

My red maple after pruning & cutting the roots 30%, branches & twigs dry immediately. how to handle red maple after pruning & root cutting? does it have to be covered?

[@brandonjohnson2728]

I Dig MrMaple!!

[@kaishatran6922]

I would like to get to buy one please can I can I have the address of your maples nursery

[@bronks1200]

I’m getting conflicting info. I have an emperor 1 in a pot. I want to put it along the side of my house. I live in Texas, the side of my house I want to put it on gets about 7 hours of sun 12:00pm-7:00pm. I’ve been told filtered sun only but i see some sites say full sun is ok as long as u keep it watered because of our hot summers. So which is it can a emperor 1 maple survive in Texas heat of at least 100 in full sun for 7 hours

[@MrMapleShow]

Texas can be tricky for sure. Emperor 1 is one of the best choices for Texas. Many areas in high heat index locations will still require some late day shade 2-3pm on

[@MrMapleShow]

Texas is a big place. Zone 8 Texas it likely can do ok in some sun once established. Much south or west of Dallas and it will need a lot of protection

[@MrAyarza]

Hi there, I’ve a silver maple tree very close of my concrete driveway and is getting big very fast. Would the roots brake the concrete? Please lmk,thanks

[@MrMapleShow]

silver maples need to be moved as they have very invasive roots

[@MrAyarza]

@@MrMapleShow ok thank you

[@tangofoxtrot40]

Hi, when it gets too rainy, you think it’s ok to make sort of a cover for the pot around the trunk so rain doesnt get to it?

[@brandonjohnson2728]

MRMAPLE PODCAST !!!!

[@zeroibis]

!! #JAPANESE MAPLES #japanesemaples !!

[@oliviakosek9351]

We recently moved and I planted our Japanese red maple and it seems scorched? I'm not sure if it's too much sun or over watering? Is there a way to tell the difference? We water the sod every day but it was also scorched in the container before we planted it.

[@zer0bankoe]

Sounds like too much sun, try to place it in a morning sun or a place where the sun shines later in the day. Most maple trees can’t stand hot full sun.

[@jimcandido7765]

What kind of fertilizer does a Japanese maple need?

[@MrMapleShow]

Fertilizing Japanese Maples kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnKkZqCheNxsfZo

[@allenazali]

A.M. Azali Thanks for the video. I really like the new school feel of growing Japanese Maple Trees. I recently purchased a coral bark maple in a 2 gallon bucket. I plan to keep it in a pot for the patio. Outside of pruning techniques, do you guys have any suggestions on how to get a thicker stronger trunk while it is being grown in a big pot?

[@brandonjohnson2728]

I Dig MrMaple!

[@richnam3188]

You guys say that japanese maples do not like constantly wet feet. However, I'm trying to landscape a small shallow island in the middle of a natural pond and would love to incorporate a japanese maple if I can. It currently has a lot of tall grasses and red osier dogwoods growing on it. Is there something I can do to plant a j. maple there and have it be happy. I was thinking I could raise a corner of the island a bit, but I would be limited to how high I can raise it.

[@MrMapleShow]

If it is wet a maple will honestly not be happy in the that spot. The only real way to fix would be in a pot in the spot with good drainage or by creating a raised bed.

[@Pokerman697]

Hello, I live in a high-desert environment, 4000+ft, zone 8. Pots dry out really quickly during the peak of the summer, do you still discourage the use of tray to help retain water?

[@MrMapleShow]

Yes for sure but it will require being watered more frequently. Treys are always bad for maples

[@chris14388]

I just put a tray underneath my bloodgood to prevent water from going all over the floor. Although I'll never overwater it I still don't want water on my patio. Do you have any other recommendations?

[@micheller3297]

Hi guys thanks again for a wonderful video!!!! God bless!!!!! Mr. Maple gift card!!!!!

[@ksero1000]

Hi! Is it true that the aureum takes a little time to adjust to new soil PH after transplanting?

[@MrMapleShow]

Not as much for PH but late day shade works best in most conditions

[@ERM1058]

Does using a layer of rocks/pebbles prevent squirrels from digging in a pot?

[@MrMapleShow]

Honestly just depends on the squirrels. Typically I don’t recommend it as it can reflect heat on the tree and roots

[@leelat8230]

Will it survive the winter? I live in zone 3B. and I'm scared to buy this tree as it might die in winter and never grow back

[@MrMapleShow]

Japanese maples work zones 5-9

[@ВикторияДеркульская-х9ц]

Благодарю!! Красивое дерево, с красными листьями😊

[@payelsvlogchannel5243]

Hi,is this Maple tree Selle in India

[@marnoster]

...so not too much water then?

[@micheller3297]

# Japanese maples!!!!!!

[@DarthDragos]

MRMAPLE GIFTCARD

[@CaptHook-kv7bx]

How do you keep spiders off your maples?

[@MrMapleShow]

I haven’t had any issues before with spiders I I see them they are typically eating worse insects

[@kestane123chesmo]

I learned from experience that japanese maples want to dry out their soil between waterings, bone dry, yep, just like arabica plants, mulch is the best fertilizer for these, industrial fertilizer is too strong,

[@michaelnelon9037]

#JAPANESE MAPLES

[@WAJAHATIQBAL]

Hi Matt,Nick l belong from Kashmir in northern Himalayas and planning to buy a Red Maples in home garden and the local nursery is selling a 5 feet maple 🍁 for approximately 210 dollars.Is this good price or expensive Lastly what Organic Fertilizer is good for Red maple and what should be the composition of N-P-K .Cheers and have a good day - Waj

[@obsessedwithlawnoddswithgr2092]

#Japanese maples

[@C1tyground5155]

Is this about Japanese maples.

[@MrMapleShow]

Yes

[@ohjuanderful8526]

How do you feel about maples in root pots or plant bags?

[@MrMapleShow]

Pots work work great as long as they have good drainage. I only recommend grow bags if planted in the found because they dry out odd above ground sometimes. Each type can be different. Pots work well outside zones 6-9. In zone 5 they need to be protected from cold

[@alexpfliger9723]

#japanesemaples

[@christinele1136]

Potting soil for Japanese maples?

[@brandonjohnson2728]

"MRMAPLE GIFTCARD" !

[@tasharaeconley7274]

Hey guys! Thanks for the video. I was wondering, is it not a good idea to mulch around the base of a Japanese maple then? Since mulch absorbs moisture.

[@MrMapleShow]

Not directly against the base. I much lightly closer to the base then push away from the small area close to the base

[@GardeningWithMaples]

Mr Maple Gift Card

[@andrewbetrosian2784]

Do not put your Maple near a Dawn Redwood. 😆

[@MrMapleShow]

They can be close when planted but be careful as the Dawn redwood will require more root space

[@andrewbetrosian2784]

@@MrMapleShow Was a joke