Japanese Maple Trees

Japanese Maple Tree Varieties and Tree Care Service

Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum) are perhaps one of the most vibrant and familiar trees in the Northeast. Their spectacular seasonal color, leaf variation, diverse shape, size and texture add richness to many landscapes. Due to their versatility and range of characteristics, one doesn't have to look far to find a Japanese maple tree to fit their landscape needs. With proper selection and regular tree service, Japanese maple trees can flourish in various settings including sun, shade; in gardens, containers and bonsai.

Maple Tree Varieties

The Japanese have cultivated the maple tree since the early 1600's. Currently there are hundreds of different Japanese maple trees. Growers continue to breed the maples ensuring exciting new hybrids and varieties. The main varieties of maple trees we will focus on here are the upright and the weeping lace-leaf maple.

The foliage of both the upright maple tree and the lace leaf maple tree can be intense fire red, deep cherry, maroon, dark orange, bold green or even variegated (variegation occurs from the plants lack of chlorophyll production and can range from subtle specks on the leaves to whole leaves being pink-white-yellow). Depending on the cultivar, spectacular color changes can be seen throughout the spring, summer and fall including shades of orange, deep gold and purple in a breathtaking display. In some varieties, the barks of these two maples also can be red, green or spotted providing unique winter interest in a landscape.

Tree Service for Japanese Maple Trees

The upright maple tree makes a grand statement standing between 15' and 30' tall with a unique branching effect. It makes a wonderful ornamental that can be trained, through tree pruning service, to maintain its form and size. In contrast, lace leaf maples (Acer palmatum var. dissectum), which rarely stand more than 5 feet tall, are characterized by their striking weeping/ cascading form and serrated leaves.

Tree service for Japanese maple trees is uncomplicated. Although they appear delicate, these maple trees are actually quite hardy and are fairly easy to grow and maintain. The Japanese maple tree adapts well to most soils, but the soil should drain well to avoid excessive root moisture. Regular watering of young trees is important, whereas mature maples can withstand dry spells. Japanese maple trees have few pest or disease issues that require frequent tree service, further adding to their appeal. When selecting a maple remember to consider size, form, shape, color combinations and planting location to achieve the most dramatic and harmonious effect on your property.

If you’d like to establish maple tree varieties in your landscape, you can arrange a complimentary consultation from our fully trained and certified arborists for tree service, tree fertilizer and tree pruning from SavATree. Click here to contact the office nearest you.