After thinking about what height and shape you would like, think about the leaf colour. It’s worth noting that the same leaves can be different colours at different times of year. Trees in the open ground don’t need feeding but a general-purpose fertiliser, such as Growmore, can be applied in late February each year at 70gm per sq m (2oz per sq yd) to encourage more growth. So trees do not dry out and to suppress weeds, mulch with a 10cm (4in) layer of garden compost or mulching bark. Do keep it away from the trunk as it will rot if covered. Overwintering

Less than impressive autumn colours? Purple-leaved variety turning green? Your Acer may not be getting enough light. If it’s in a pot you can easily solve the problem by moving it somewhere with a better balance of light and shade (not too bright, not too dark). With trees planted in the ground this tends to be a result of too much competition for light from surrounding trees - give any taller trees a trim and you should see an improvement. Verticillium wilt If you see what looks like wool or fake Hallowe’en cobwebs on your tree, it may well be scale insects, which work in roughly the same way. The solution to both pests is removing them by hand and squashing them, or hosing them off the branches if the hosepipe ban has ended by then! You can then spray the affected areas with a solution of water and oil or soap ( recipes here) which will prevent the insects clinging on and suffocate any that do. Vine weevils Why do acers love acidic soil? Japanese Maples require a lot of soil nutrition to grow, and this nitrogen-rich earth is typically more acidic in nature. The beauty and color innate to Japanese Maples’ leaves require a lot of nitrogen and natural plant food to become truly vivid and replicate themselves, especially when the trees are young. Acer trees (Acer palmatum or Japanese Maples) are some of the most versatile and compact little trees you can plant in your garden and better still, they're really easy to look after. Just follow our growers’ acer tree care tips and they’ll thrive in any spot, providing you with dazzling colour for many years. Japanese Maples, scientifically known as Acer palmatum, are generally compact trees with a wide range of varieties. The colourisation of these trees can vary depending on factors such as soil composition, feeding regimen, and their position in the garden. With an average height of 1.5-2.5m (5-8ft) in 10-15 years, Acers can be easily maintained at smaller heights through seasonal pruning. These trees are ideal for small gardens or Japanese-style landscapes. Planting ConditionsMost maples are perfectly hardy even if the new growth on Acer palmatum varieties is not. There are a few species, particularly the few evergreen ones, which come from warmer climates in Taiwan and Southern China, which are best grown only in the West Country but, there are relatively few of these, and they are only likely to be sold by a few specialist acer nurseries. 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 When adding compost to the soil around your Japanese maples, be sure to mix it in well. The compost should not be piled up on top of the roots or leaves.

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 If you have an existing Japanese maple that is not doing well, adding compost to the soil around it can also help revive it. The added nutrients and improved drainage will help it to recover from any stressors it may experiencing. Acer pests and diseases that can be treated with compost To one sample, add ½ cup of white vinegar, and watch for bubbling and foaming. If bubbling is observed, your soil is more alkaline and will definitely benefit from ericaceous compost if you’re growing Japanese Maples.Acer palmatum, or Japanese maple, is a delicate tree that requires well-drained soil with a pH range of neutral to slightly acidic. The addition of compost can help adjust the pH level of your soil and improve drainage. Ericaceous compost can be made at home using coffee grounds, fallen leaves, pine needles, citrus rinds, and bark. It can be especially helpful for lowering the pH levels of mildly alkaline soils and potentially making them suitable for Japanese Maple growth. You can use this homemade compost as a topdressing around your Japanese maples or incorporate it into the soil before planting.