In the face of local maple giants such as sycamore maple and Norway maple, there is no doubt about its robust winter hardiness. Small maple species in pots raise the question of whether they can survive a Central European winter with bitter frost without damage. This guide explains under what circumstances winter protection is recommended for maple trees.
Are maple trees hardy and how do you protect them in winter?
Maple trees are hardy, but young maple trees and maples in pots need special protection from frost. Protect the root area with leaves or compost and cover the trunk with fleece or reed mats. For potted maple, place the pot on insulating surfaces protected from the wind and cover it with fleece or coconut mats.
Young maple trees need winter protection - here's how to do it right
In the year of planting and the following two to five years, a maple tree is busy gradually building up its winter hardiness. Until then, the tree or shrub needs protection from severe frost. The following precautions have proven successful in gardening practice:
- Before the first frost, cover the root disc with a 5 to 10 cm thick layer of leaves, compost or bark mulch
- In the year of planting, cover the young shoots with a breathable fleece (€49.00 at Amazon)
- In later years, in full sun and heavy frost, cover with a shade net
Protect the trunk of the young maple tree from intense winter sun. If temperatures rise after a frosty night in direct sunlight, the bark can crack. By leaning some boards against the trunk, you can prevent this damage. Alternatively, wrap the tree trunk with reed or coconut mats.
Protect maple in a pot from frost every year - this is how it works
Maple varieties with shrub-like and small growth are ideal for life in large pots. This form of cultivation makes the root ball behind the vessel walls vulnerable to frost. You can strengthen the winter hardiness of maple trees in pots with the following precautions:
- Before the onset of winter, move the pot into a niche protected from the wind
- Place on wooden or Styrofoam plates
- Cover the pot with fleece, foil or coconut mats
- Ply autumn leaves, straw or bark mulch on the substrate
It is important to note that under this winter protection the root ball is at risk of drought stress. Therefore, water regularly on mild days.
Tip
If winter returns at the time the leaves emerge, frost damage can sometimes occur on slot maple varieties (Acer palmatum). Wilted leaves and limp shoot tips are typical symptoms of the dilemma. First wait a few weeks to see whether the tree regenerates on its own. Only then do you cut frozen branches back into he althy wood.
