How to care for your potted maple tree
Can you grow your maple tree in a pot? Yes! We love potted maples because they are easy to care for, stay smaller in size, and look amazing. Find out more on how to grow a maple tree in a pot with our helpful tips below.
How big of a pot do I need for my maple tree?
The first question most people ask is what kind of pot does a maple tree need to grow in? We recommend a container that is twice the size of the roots (or root ball) of your tree. This gives it plenty of growing room and space for soil to hold water and nutrients. Of course, you will probably need to repot your maple tree every few years if you want it to continue to grow.
How to choose a pot for a maple tree?
You have a lot of choices for the container for your maple tree, from terra cotta to glazed clay. The two things to remember are:
1. Size and weight. As we mentioned, the pot should be at least twice the size of the roots (or root ball) of the tree. However it should also be a sufficient weight to stop the container from tipping over in high winds! A pot that blows over can severely damage or kill your Japanese maple tree—make sure you choose a heavy container with a wide enough diameter to secure your tree.
2. Drainage. As with most outdoor pots, drainage is key! You must choose a pot with large drainage holes for your maple tree. Such a container will allow you to water your tree without worrying about the roots sitting in soggy soil (which maples hate!) It also means your tree won't end up sitting in water during rainy weather.
How do I keep my maple tree small?
To keep your Japanese maple small, keep it in the same size of pot through the years. However, in order to keep your tree from getting leggy or unhealthy you have to trim the branches. If you keep the canopy of your tree small through seasonal pruning, it will not grow as many new roots and can continue to stay in the same size of pot.Do not trim more than 1/3 of a tree or shrub to avoid harming your plant. Pruning of maples is traditionally done in spring or summer, not during the rainy or cold seasons.
How often do I water my potted maple tree?
Your maple tree will need watering once or twice a week during hot weather, with much less watering required in the winter. You can always test the soil about two inches deep and see if it is wet or dry. (You can also use a moisture metre to test your soil.)
Maples do not like to sit in soggy soil, however they do like their soil consistently moist. This means not letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Again, having good drainage in your pot is key.
During winter months, your maple tree is dormant and will not need watering very often. Only water your tree if the soil is very dry.
How do I fertilizer my potted maple tree?
The soil in your container will lose nutrients every year, so fertilizer is needed to keep your maple healthy. Use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants that is low in nitrogen. Manure is not recommended for maple trees.
Feed your maple tree during the growing season only (March to August). Generally, you only need to do this once or twice a year. Avoid fertilizing in fall as this can stop your maple from going dormant in winter and damage roots.
Can I leave my potted maple tree out in the winter?
Yes! Maple trees can overwinter outdoors and are fine in temperatures up to -20'C. We do have some tips, however, for areas with harsh winters or for new and delicate trees.
- Keep your tree out of windy areas and closer to the house or a wall during harsh winter months.
- Use mulch around the base of the tree to insulate the roots of your maple. This can be added in the late fall and again during winter months if needed. We recommend 3-4" of mulch on top of the soil, leaving 4-5" of space around the trunk.
- Your maple is dormant during winter months and won't need water unless the soil is extremely dry. They also will not need any fertilizer during cold months.
- For smaller or younger maple trees, it can be a good idea to cover them with burlap to avoid damage to branches from heavy snow. Wrap the branches carefully in burlap from the top down, using rope to secure them to the trunk.
- If the temperature goes below -20'C, you can protect them on a covered patio area or bring them into an indoor area such as the garage or shed until the temperatures rise again.
Other tips for growing your maple tree in a pot
Find the perfect spot for your potted maple. Look at the info card it came with to see what kind of light it requires. Most maple trees like dappled or partial sunlight because their leaves can become scorched by full sun. Younger and smaller maple trees will especially need to be protected.
During the heat of the summer, you may find using mulch on top of the soil can prevent root damage to your young maple, especially if the foliage isn't wide and thick yet.
Maple trees look amazing in pots in the yard or on the patio! With these helpful tips we hope you have a beautiful and healthy tree for years to come.