The term “Japanese maple” basically refers to different types of maple from the Far East, which, however, are relatively similar in terms of habit and needs. In addition to the actual Japanese maple (Acer japonicum), the species Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and the golden maple (Acer shirasawanum) also belong to this group. Basically, these trees are quite undemanding when it comes to nutrient supply, even if they prefer nutrient-rich soil.
How should you fertilize a Japanese maple?
Japanese maples require little fertilization if the soil is nutrient-rich. Use organic or mineral slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring. For potted maples, moderate fertilization (at the beginning of August at the latest) with slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizer is necessary.
Choosing the substrate and preparing the soil
Japanese maple should only be fertilized moderately once planted - even if the tree is actually very demanding. The problem with fertilization is the fact that the artificial supply of nutrients delays the maturity of the shoots. This in turn results in reduced resistance in the cold season, which means that more fungal diseases can occur in the sensitive maples. For this reason, attention should be paid less to fertilization and more to choosing the optimal soil. Japanese maples prefer a
- sandy loam soil,
- which is very loose and permeable
- has a high nutrient content
- and a slightly acidic to neutral pH value.
Before planting, the excavated soil can be enriched with well-rotted leaves to enrich it with nutrients.
Fertilize planted Japanese maple
Basically, planted Japanese maples do not need to be fertilized as long as the subsoil is sufficiently nutrient-rich. However, it is recommended (and also completely sufficient on normal garden soil) to fertilize with organic fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season. However, on poor soil, fertilization should be carried out with a slow-acting, mineral-release fertilizer, which also only needs to be carried out in early spring (April / May).
Nutrient supply for potted maple
The situation is completely different with Japanese maples grown in pots. Since they cannot simply stretch their roots and absorb nutrients themselves, like their planted relatives, people have to help with artificial gifts - after all, the nutrient content in the pot is exhausted at some point. However, fertilization must also be carried out with a sense of proportion here, otherwise winter hardiness will suffer. Potted maples are also best supplied with a high-quality long-term mineral fertilizer (€10.00 on Amazon) or an organic fertilizer, with the last fertilizer application being made at the beginning of August at the latest.
Tip
Fertilize the Japanese maple with a little potash in autumn to make overwintering easier for your tree.
