Vitax VTX6AF901 Japanese Maple Acer Feed 0.9kg Pouch

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Mulch with well-rotted organic matter, such as garden compost or mulching bark from a garden centre, so the soil does not dry out in summer For stubbornly alkaline soils, it may be best to simply plant trees and shrubs which can tolerate or thrive there, such as lilacs, hydrangeas, and field maples. Sources Water your Acer regularly for the first year after planting, to encourage the tree to establish a good root system - this is particularly important if you plant in spring or summer. If you plant bare root trees in autumn or winter you won’t need to water as much. After the first year you should only need to water in very hot or dry spells. If your Acer is in a pot you’ll have to water more often - in hot weather this can be as much as twice a day to make sure the soil doesn’t dry out. Feeding Acers Compost is an essential tool for keeping your Japanese maples healthy and looking their best. Top tips on how to get the best out of your compost and acers Newly emerged leaves range in colour from yellow through lime-green to bright pink. They are usually palmate in shape with finger-like lobs or so finely cut to appear lace-like

Next, test your soil’s new pH levels. The combination of nitrogen-rich compost and water will have hopefully lowered the pH levels to a more usable level. This works best in mildly alkaline or neutral soils. Soils that are 8.5 or greater in pH can sometimes take years to modify, and the effort can be time-consuming and costly. Soil with a pH level that is already 5.5 – 6.0 won’t need further acidity, as too much acidity can harm the tree. If the pH levels of your soil are slightly higher than this, or neutral, your Japanese Maples can still enjoy the benefits of ericaceous compost. Ericaceous Compost Feeds and Nourishes Acers https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/docs/lawn-and-garden/in-house-publications/trees-shrubs/Japanese_Maples.pdf It’s not essential to prune your Acer tree, but if you do want to do some trimming to improve its shape or restrict its size, it’s important to do this only when the tree is dormant from November to January - if pruning is done at any other time of year when the tree is in active growth, it can bleed sap and become infected. Ready to prune like a pro? Read our complete acer pruning guide. Acers in pots Successfully planting Japanese Maples in alkaline soil will require a few weeks of preparation, as soil pH levels do not change overnight. Begin by breaking up the soil in the space where you would like to plant and disrupt the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Mix in your ericaceous compost with the native soil, and water the area weekly over the next 3 – 4 weeks.

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Making your own compost is a great way to recycle household waste and improve the health of your acers at the same time. The benefits of using compost for your acers When to Plant: It is recommended to plant Japanese Maples in early spring or autumn for optimal results. You’ll notice that some of these materials, like fallen leaves, already mimic what’s in nutrient-rich soil already. The purpose of this compost is to boost nutrition as well as acidity, and your acers will absolutely love you for it. As a result of their appreciation for acidic soils, ericaceous compost is a great idea for Japanese Maples, especially young saplings who need to grow healthy and strong. The nutrients and plant food found in ericaceous compost can help boost an acer’s growing potential, and give you some truly stunning foliage in the fall.

Generally seed is easy to harvest in Sept-Oct and should be collected slightly green. However, you should be aware that several species produce sterile fruits which may look very inviting but which will not germinate. Acer griseum is notorious for this. Several species are dioecious in that a solitary tree cannot produce viable seed so, again, you can be on an impossible mission. Sow in trays or beds. Sandy soil should have a pH of 5.5, loamy soil a pH 6.0 or peaty soil a pH of 4.5. Good garden soil may be added but the seedbed must be well drained. Seed must not be sown too deeply and never deeper than the diameter of the nutlets. The seedlings will need protection from strong sunlight to avoid scorching. Another addition to your soil to consider if you’re seeking to lower your garden’s pH level, is earthworms. Earthworms thrive in soil that ranges from 6.0 to 8.0, and their presence, as well as their droppings or castings, can help naturally lower pH levels in calcium-rich soils. Once planted, add a handful of feed and work into the top soil Container plants: (Plant at any time of year in suitable soil conditions).The best fertiliser products for acers will contain a mixture of manure, peat moss, leaves, and bark. Manure adds important nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that are needed for leaf growth. Peat moss helps improve drainage and aeration in the soil. Leaves and bark add organic matter which helps improve the structure of the soil. Particle Size Acer tree diseases are rarely a problem - Japanese acers are pretty easy going and you can usually leave them alone after the first year or so with no issues. However if your Acer does develop a problem, you’ll want to sort it out ASAP. Here’s our round-up of the most common problems you might encounter, and how to prevent them. Leaf scorch As acers are hardier and can tolerate a lower pH level than many ornamentals, many soil types can still benefit from ericaceous compost if you’re growing acers, even in locations where a lower pH level might harm more delicate plants. What Makes Soil Alkaline vs. Acidic?