In autumn, the field maple shows its most beautiful side as a hedge or tree with bright yellow-orange leaves. A small care program now comes at the right time to prepare the modest deciduous tree for the rigors of winter. This guide explains which measures promote vitality and beauty now.
How do I care for field maples in autumn?
In autumn, field maples can be optimally prepared with potassium-rich fertilizer and pruning. Fertilize with compost and comfrey manure or patent potash and Thomas potash and cut after the leaves have changed color for a well-groomed appearance.
Potassium strengthens winter hardiness - this is how it works
The field maple is not born with its robust frost hardiness of up to -40 degrees Celsius. It is only over the course of the first few years that winter hardiness gradually builds up. Until then, give the shrub or tree a helping hand with a potassium-based fertilizer. The main nutrient lowers the freezing point in cell water and strengthens the cell walls, so that freezing frost has fewer opportunities to attack. How to administer the fertilizer correctly:
- In autumn, mulch the root slice with compost and sprinkle with potassium-rich comfrey manure
- Alternatively, fertilize in September with Patentkali (€33.00 on Amazon) or Thomaskali
Regardless of whether you fertilize organically or mineral-organically, you should then water abundantly. This ensures that field maple fully absorbs the nutrients administered.
Pruning for a well-groomed appearance – How to do it right
As the autumnal color festival on the field maple comes to an end, the time window opens for shape and maintenance pruning. When the sap period begins, the deciduous tree can cope with pruning much better than in the middle of the growth phase. You can cut back Massholder hedges and treetops until late winter. What you should pay attention to:
- Thoroughly thin out the bush or crown in advance
- Ideally set intersection points just above a leaf node
- Cut hedge bushes in a trapezoid shape with a wide base and narrow crown
If you have prescribed rejuvenation pruning for your field maple, you can carry out the measure in autumn and winter from October 1st to February 28th. Outside this time, trees may not be placed on the stick to protect wildlife.
Tip
Autumn is the ideal planting time for field maples. In October and November, the soil has stored the sun's heat deeply, so that shrubs and trees can take root quickly. During this time, tree nurseries and garden centers have inexpensive root products available for you that you can plant safely until the first frost.
