Japanese Maple

~ By Sassy E. ~

Some people are surprized to know that most Maples are from Asian. The delicated color foliage of the Japanese Maple are one of the triumphs of the Eastern horticulture.It is a versatile ornamental out of the east. The Maple is one of the world's greatest hardwood trees.

There are more than two-hundred species of the maple tree. The majority are known for their shade,wood or ornamental value. Many of the finest maple trees are from East Asia. All are large deciduous shrubs or small trees that grow fifteen to twenty-five feet high. All do well, in all but the coldest North American climate. A few need mild winters. A young five foot tree, grows slowly about six inches a year. As the tree matures, it's arching side branches give it a umbrella look.

The foliage is what tells the different of a Japanese Maple and other maples. The Japanese Maple's leaves are two to four inches long,deeply lobed and maybe finely toothed at the edges. In mid spring, new leaves appear. They often have a slightly reddish tinge. After the trees are fully leafed, they can be pruned as necessary, which gives the shapely form of the trees. At the height of summer, the leaves may be golden green, to deep green to purple in color. During the fall the Japanese Maple comes into it's own, with dazzling fall colors, ranging from bright gold to fiery red.

The Japanese Maple can be placed alone as a specimen or in small groups which also look wonderful. They can be placed beside patio's and terraces. Many of the smaller species make excellent container plants.

Before planting choose a site that has full sun with adequate moisture and light shade during the midday, also a location where it will be sheltered from strong winds. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and again as deep as the root ball. Mix into the soil some compost and peat moss. Set the rootball in the hole pulling the soil in around the rootball. Tamp the soil well and stake with two by two's stakes. Make sure to water good for the next several weeks. The Japanese Maple is highly resistant to disease and insect attacks and requires little care

         

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