'Acer' is the Genus of plants known commonly as maples. Of all the maple species, the Japanese maple (known by its botanical name as Acer palmatum)is the most variable. It is this variability that we enjoy so much in these much admired trees.

There are three basic sub-species of Acer palmatum, these are: amoenum, matsumurae and palmatum. The word 'palmatum' comes from PALMATE or palm-like, meaning the leaf looks like the palm of your hand with fingers.

Unnamed red leaved maples sometimes have the generic name Acer palmatum atropurpureum. And some 'cut leaf' Japanese maples are referred to as: Acer palmatum dissectum or Acer palmatum dissectum atropurpureum for the red form. Dissectum simply describes the leaves are dissected or split (cut) into a fine filigree form.

Naming of particular cultivars (a distinctive plant maintained by cultivation) follows the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Cultivar names should always be written in roman type with ingle 'quote' marks after the species name. For example: Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'.

Japanese maples are an outstanding addition to any landscape. They can be used as individual specimens, as a 'feature' in a border or rock garden. Personally, I love to plant the weeping form on gently sloping ground to accentuate the natural shape of the tree.

- Ground Preparation:

Japanese maples do need prepared ground before planting. These trees do not form a long tap root and are usually quite shallowly rooted with a fibrous network of mainly surface roots.

Always dig your planting hole slightly larger than the rootball of the tree. Mix in some compost or chipped bark to help improve drainage if your soil is heavy.

- Position: Sun & Shade Requirements

Japanese maples will do best in a location where they are out of the wind and away from the sunniest spot in your garden. They like morning sun, but prefer to be in semi-shade during the afternoon.

Planting on the North or East side of a house provides some additional protection. You can also plant in the shadow of a larger tree to help shade the maple.

When placing the new tree in the planting hole test the depth of the hole with the tree/rootball so that the level of the ground is at the original level of the ground line of the tree.

- Soil Type

The ideal soil is a slightly acid sandy soil with some organic matter mixed in. Japanese maples are really very adaptable and so with a little help from you they will do well!

If you don't know what type of soil you have, you need to test your soil. It's a simple thing to do and once you have the results you'll know EXACTLY what key nutrients your soil is missing or deficient in and you'll be able to compensate for optimum plant health.

For example, if you discover you have an alkaline soil don't despair! You should create a raised bed and mix in lot of peat.

- Watering & Mulching

The good news about the shallow rooting of Japanese maples is this makes them an ideal companion plant as they don't compete with other plants. The bad news is they do prefer a CONSISTENT level of moisture at the roots.

Try to water frequently to maintain the level of mositure in the soil. You should add up to 3' of bark or leaf mulch to help keep moisture levels consistent. This is also needed in colder locations to provide a thermal barrier and prevent damage to the shallow roots. Note: make sure the mulch is NOT touching the trunk of the tree as this can lead to rotting and insect damage.

- When you get your tree home

Plants can suffer damage - sometimes fatal - when they are transplanted. Today you can minimize the transplant shock with a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals. In our nursery we mix 15 drops of SuperThrive concentrate in 1 gallon of water and drench the plant/roots before planting.

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