When to Fertilize a Japanese Maple
- Japanese maples grown in fertile soil require less fertilization than maples grown in less preferable sites. Plant your Japanese maple tree in well-drained, acid soil containing plenty of organic matter, such as compost. Maintain good drainage and never allow standing water around this plant's roots. The Japanese maple can tolerate clay soils, but only on sloped sites that don't allow water to accumulate. Use mulch under the canopy to help the tree retain water on dry sites.
- According to Texas A&M University, Japanese maples do best when fertilized using an acid-base water-soluble fertilizer. Bonsai Clubs International recommends using a slow-acting organic fertilizer about once per month or a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer in a half-strength solution.
- Apply slower-acting organic fertilizers every 20 to 30 days between spring and autumn, but stop feeding for one to two months during the hottest part of the summer, when Japanese maples are prone to scorching. Use chemical fertilizers once every other week. Avoid feeding container-grown maples for two months after repotting or if the maple is stressed or weak.
- It may seem like more fertilizer is better, but too much can cause damage to your maple's leaf and stem tips. This unsightly condition can also be caused by too much water or transplant shock. Leaf tip burn can be corrected by reducing how often you fertilize or the amount of fertilizer you use each time. Monitor your Japanese maple tree to ensure it's getting the correct nutrient balance.
