My Trees > Japanese Maple 1

Acer palmatum

Japanese Maple 1

Red leafed Japanese Maple planted into small plastic starter pot

Provenance

Gift from Andy Iles at PSBA Eastside study group

Background

Estimated Origin: April 2019
Training Since: March 2023
Acquired: March 18, 2023
Progression: Pre-Bonsai

Tree Details

Exhibition Ready: No

About Japanese Maple 1

Care Log

July 14, 2025

Observation
June 8, 2025

Prune

Pruned back leaders to control height and reduce stress after bare rooting to plant in ground, had minimal roots, pruned thicker couple
June 8, 2025

Ground Plant

Planted it in the ground to thicken up. When I removed it from the pot it had barely any roots. Hopefully it will get more vigor in the ground.
May 31, 2025

Other – Relocated

Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
April 22, 2024

Observation
April 5, 2024

Observation
March 18, 2023

Repot

Was not in a pot, so placed in a small plastic starter pot

Seasonal Care Guide

Early Summer (Jun 1 – Jun 30)

Watering: Deep water regularly—pots warm up quickly in heat.
Fertilization: Continue balanced feed every 2 weeks.
Pruning: If leaf size becomes excessive, consider partial defoliation.
Wiring: Minor wiring for refinement before tissue hardens.
Defoliation: Partial defoliation after first flush can reduce leaf size.
Pests Disease: Watch for mites; treat with horticultural oil if needed.
Summer Protection: Provide afternoon shade during heatwaves.

Mid Summer (Jul 1 – Aug 10)

Watering: Monitor daily; ensure no drought stress.
Fertilization: Taper nitrogen; hold feed during hottest weeks.
Pruning: Pinch back soft spring growth; wait until fall for structure.
Pests Disease: Check for powdery mildew in humid weather.
Summer Protection: Ensure root ball doesn’t overheat—shade or pot insulation.

Late Summer (Aug 11 – Aug 31)

Watering: Maintain consistent moisture as growth slows.
Fertilization: Apply phosphorus high feed to support root health.

Species Overview

Highly refined deciduous tree; delicate branching and strong seasonal appeal; widely used in bonsai.

Leaf Persistence: Deciduous
Leaf Form: Broadleaf
Watering: High
Watering Notes: Never allow to dry out completely.
Watering Season: Spring → Autumn
Fertilization: Balanced
Fertilization Notes: Avoid high-nitrogen after midsummer.
Wiring: Spring or Autumn
Wiring Notes: Use guy wires for older wood to reduce scarring.
Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance through summer
Pruning Notes: Pinch new shoots to maintain shape.
Repotting: Every 2-3 years
Repotting Notes: Repot just as buds begin to swell.
Propagation: Cuttings or seed
Propagation Notes: Cuttings root easily with hormone.
Zone 8b: Protect roots if temps < 20 F

Placement & Seasonal Notes

Placement: Partial shade to full sun
Placement Notes: Protect from hot afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.
Winter Notes: Protect fine branches from late frost.
Summer Notes: Mist foliage to counteract dry air.