Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

How much light does a Japanese Maple need?

Full sun is the preferred exposure for Japanese maple, and the species is also listed for part shade and full shade. One source lists partial sun or partial shade and calls the tree shade tolerant. Choose a spot with that range in mind, with full sun as the first choice and shade as an accepted alternative.

• Light: Full sun, part shade and full shade (full sun preferred)^1,2

How often to water a Japanese Maple

Water needs for Japanese maple run from medium to wet. During dry weather, provide irrigation, as this tree is sensitive to drought. The soil it is listed for is well drained and moist, with occasional periods of dry soil. Even so, dry weather calls for irrigation, since the tree is sensitive to drought.

• Water: Medium to wet³

Best soil for a Japanese Maple

Japanese maple is listed for soil that is well drained, moist and occasionally dry, and a second source simply lists good drainage. One source describes consistently moist, well-drained soil with occasional periods of dry soil. The tree tolerates acid to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5 to 7.4. The lower limit is pH 5 and the upper limit is pH 7.4, as stated for this tree.

• Soil drainage: Well drained, moist and occasionally dry^1,4
• Soil pH: pH 5–7.4¹

Hardiness and temperature

Japanese maple is listed for USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b. The source names each step: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b. The listing begins at zone 5a and ends at zone 8b. Frost damage, especially from late frosts, is among the problems that can occur. Leaf scorch is also listed as a problem that can occur. The tree is deciduous. No cited source records a minimum temperature or a humidity need for this tree.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b⁴

Pruning a Japanese Maple

Light shaping is the only pruning type listed for Japanese maple, and the listed timing is late summer to early fall. Pruning in late summer and early fall, one source says, minimizes the impact on growth. The growth rate is slow, at 10 to 15 ft (3–4.6 m) in 15 years.

• Pruning: Light shaping (Aug–Sep)³

How to plant a Japanese Maple

Check that your USDA hardiness zone falls within 5a to 8b before planting. Leave room for a mature tree 15–25 ft (4.57–7.62 m) tall and 15–25 ft (4.57–7.62 m) wide. One source describes the spread as equal to or greater than the height. Full sun is preferred, and part shade or full shade is also listed. The species is native to Japan and Korea, and it is recorded as introduced in the contiguous United States.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b⁴

Winter care

One source notes that frost damage can occur, especially from late frosts. The tree is listed for zones 5a through 8b. Frost damage sits beside anthracnose, leaf scorch, botrytis and canker in the disease list. Japanese maple is a deciduous tree. Light shaping is listed for late summer and early fall. The tree is also a slow grower. No cited source records a minimum temperature or a winter protection method.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b⁴

Common problems

Aphids, scale, maple worms, leafrollers and leafhoppers are described as occasional pests. Borers and invasive shot hole borer are also on the pest list. If borers become a problem, one source says it indicates the tree is not growing well. Listed diseases are anthracnose, leaf scorch, frost damage, botrytis and canker. Botrytis and canker problems are described as possible.

• Common pests: aphids, scale, leafrollers, leafhoppers, maple worms, borers and invasive shot hole borer^4,2
• Common diseases: anthracnose, leaf scorch, frost damage, botrytis and canker^4,1

Questions and answers

Does Japanese maple like full sun?

Full sun is the preferred exposure for Japanese maple. It is also listed for part shade and full shade. A second source lists partial sun or partial shade and calls the tree shade tolerant.

How big does a Japanese maple get?

A mature Japanese maple reaches 15–25 ft (4.57–7.62 m) in height, and the spread is listed at the same range. The growth rate is slow, at 10 to 15 ft (3–4.6 m) in 15 years.

Which hardiness zones suit Japanese maple?

Japanese maple is listed for USDA zones 5a to 8b. That includes 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b. Frost damage can occur, especially from late frosts.