Japanese maples will ‘grow stronger in summer’ if you sprinkle 1 natural item on the soil
Japanese maples are some of the most stunning trees to grow in gardens. But while they are low-maintenance, during long, hot summers, they can struggle without the help of one natural item.
Many gardeners love Japanese maples, with their diversity of leaf colour and form. Some are upright, some weeping, while some cascade elegantly over rocks and walls. Leaves may be green, or the coveted rich reds that are always so popular for gardens.
Sadly, some gardeners are disappointed, finding that their plant does not thrive, and that although they begin the year with glorious spring foliage, as summer arrives, the leaves scorch and brown. They then often fall and leave a bare tree just when you want it to be leafy and, of course, mean that those fabulous autumn colours will be nowhere in sight.
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With this in mind, Sky Nursery has shared a top tip on how to get your maples through the summer in good health, looking gorgeous.
Given that the summer season can be difficult for plants, including Japanese maples, it is recommended to add a spot of mulch to the soil.
Mulch is simply a covering of organic material, like compost or bark chips, that’s laid around the base of plants to protect them and improve their health.
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It acts as a barrier to keep out weeds, locking moisture, warmth and nutrients into the soil and preventing soil erosion around plants, which could destabilise them and expose their roots to infection.
Sky Nursery experts said: “Covering the roots of maples can help them grow stronger and make it in the heat of summer.
“Chunky bark makes a great mulch, or you can create summer covers from burlap to decrease evaporation.”
Fit the burlap over the plant and trace with a marker. Cut with scissors for a perfect fit to sit around the plant. The moisture in the soil will be more consistent between watering cycles.
However, before adding mulch to the Japanese maple, water the tree deeply first. Watering at this stage is important, and ensuring the ground is moist before you mulch will help to seal moisture in the soil once your thick layer is applied.
Avoid getting water on the leaves and try not to water in the evening if possible. Morning or late afternoon is the best time to water so that the plant doesn’t stay damp overnight.
