red-leaf Japanese maple

When it comes to watering a red-leaf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum Atropurpureum Group), you should water it deeply to ensure that the entire root zone is moist. This should generally be done about once every 7-14 days, depending on the weather and the soil condition. Make sure to water it enough so that the soil is moist down to about 8-12 inches, but be careful not to over water it, which can cause root rot. Additionally, check the soil moisture prior to each watering to ensure that it is really needed. If the soil is still moist at the root level, there is no need to water again.

Red-leaf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum Atropurpureum Group) is a slow-growing species that prefers partial sun to dappled shade in regions with hot summers or full sun during climates with milder summers. In terms of how much sunlight, the plant requires 4-6 hours of direct sun per day and protection from intense mid-day heat to thrive. During the spring and summer, the red-leaf Japanese maple will benefit from morning sun and afternoon shade, while in the fall and winter, it will need full sun.

Red-leaf Japanese maple should be pruned during the late winter or early spring before it puts on new growth. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season, but pruning in the middle of the summer can encourage too much new growth. Cut away any dead, diseased, or broken branches, as well as any shoots that move away from the center of the plant. Also trim back branches that cross or rub together. To maintain a tree shape, remove branches that are growing straight upwards from the trunk. Finally, thin out shoots that are growing close together, to allow more light into the center of the plant.