Maple is a popular ornamental tree and shrub that stands out in any garden. It thrives best in well-draining garden substrate, in a sunny or partially shaded location, and with regular watering. Thanks to its low-maintenance nature and striking appearance, it's ideal for both beginner and experienced growers. In this article, you'll learn about proper planting, care, and recommended growing supplies.

Maple is a popular ornamental tree and shrub that stands out in any garden. It thrives best in well-draining garden substrate, a sunny or partially shaded location, and with generous watering. Thanks to its low-maintenance nature and striking appearance, it's ideal for both beginner and experienced growers.

In this article, you'll learn about proper planting, care, and recommended growing supplies.

🍁 Types of Maples

Maple (Acer) includes more than 150 species. The most popular in gardens are:

  • Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) – an ornamental shrub with beautifully colored leaves, ideal for Japanese gardens.
  • Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) – a robust tree, common in parks and avenues.
  • Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) – a stately species suitable for larger properties.
  • Japanese Maple cultivars – smaller varieties, ideal for small gardens or containers.

🌿 Growing and Soil

Location:
Maples prefer sunny to partially shaded spots protected from strong winds. For some more sensitive species (e.g., Japanese maples), partial shade with diffused light is recommended.

Soil:
Requires well-draining, humus-rich garden substrate. Heavy and clay soils should be lightened with sand or perlite.

💡 Tip: For planting, you can use substrates that you'll find here 🛒 Substrates

💧 Watering and Fertilizing

Watering:
After planting, regular and generous watering is essential, especially in the first years. In summer, water 2–3 times per week depending on weather conditions.

Fertilising:
Maples should be fertilised from spring to early autumn – fertilisers for deciduous ornamental trees are suitable, ideally with higher potassium content to support leaf colouration.

✂️ Pruning and Maintenance

When to prune:
Maples should be pruned very carefully, ideally in winter or early spring when the sap is still dormant. Excessive pruning can damage the tree.

Maintenance:
Remove dry and damaged branches and keep the crown airy. Formative pruning is also possible for shrub forms.

🛒 Tip: Check out our garden scissors ideal for thick stems or pruning larger plants.

💡 Tips for Growing in Containers

Small cultivars (e.g. Japanese maples) can be successfully grown in containers.

Recommendations:

  • Use a large pot with drainage holes
  • Place drainage material at the bottom (gravel, expanded clay)
  • Choose substrate suitable for woody plants in containers
  • Repot every 2–3 years

🌡️ In winter, protect the container from frost (e.g. with jute, straw)

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