Acer trees, or maples, are a beloved addition to any garden
Their deep green leaves turn spectacular shades of orange and red in the fall, providing a beautiful backdrop to the changing season. Maples are easy to care for and can thrive with minimal attention, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. With the right knowledge and care, you can create an acer tree oasis in your own backyard.
Choosing the Right Acer Tree Variety
The first step to creating your acer oasis is choosing the right variety of tree. When looking at different types of maples, consider things like size, shape, leaf coloration, and rate of growth. Some varieties will grow larger than others – some even reaching heights of over 100 feet! Be sure to choose a variety that will suit your garden’s needs best.
ACER (a’ser) . Are splendid decorative trees and shrubs for cooler climates. They include the smaller Japanese Maple (Palmatum) of delicately divided foliage and varying intensity of tints; also Box Elder, Sycamore, English and Canadian Sugar Maple . Brilliant autumn and winter foliage makers. Plant in Autumn and Winter from open ground. The beautiful Box Elder will grow in milder inland climates.
Some splendid Maple varieties for the garden are:
- Acer negundo, ”Box Elder,” 40-ft.
- Acer negundo variegata, Silver or Gold variegated Box Elder, 20-ft.
- A. negundo areum, Golden leaves, 20-ft.
- A. saccharinum, Canadian Sugai Maple, 50-ft.
- A. Ginnala ( 15-ft.) vivid reddish brown autumn foliage and trifidum ( 20-ft.), quick grower and beautiful red autumn leaves, are splendid Asiatic forms of the Maple. Well worth inclusion.
- A. polymorphum (Japanese Maple) range from 6-ft. to 20-ft., according to variety. Dissectum is beautiful, fine in foliage. Atropurpureum is deep red.
All are deciduous.
Planting and Care of Acers
Once you’ve chosen your maple tree, it’s time to plant it in your garden! Maples prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6). If necessary, add organic amendments such as compost or peat moss to help improve drainage. Planting should be done during late winter or early spring when temperatures are still cool but there is no danger of frost. Once planted, water regularly but don’t overwater – too much moisture can lead to root rot and other problems down the line.
When it comes to pruning acer trees, less is more! Only remove dead or broken branches – trimming away healthy foliage can stunt growth and lead to disease problems later on down the line. Maple trees also benefit from regular fertilizing – use an all-purpose fertilizer formulated specifically for maples in early spring before new growth begins. Finally, keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or whiteflies which can damage tree leaves if left unchecked. Treat infestations promptly with natural insecticides if needed.
Conclusion:
Acer trees are a great addition to any garden! With the right knowledge and care they can thrive with minimal effort from you – perfect for busy gardeners who want a low-maintenance but beautiful landscape element! By choosing the right variety for your needs, planting correctly in well-drained soil amended with organic materials like compost or peat moss, watering regularly (but not too much!), pruning sparingly (just remove dead or broken branches), fertilizing annually with an all-purpose maple fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins, and keeping watchful eyes out for pests like aphids or whiteflies – you will have an acer oasis worthy of envy ready in no time!