Native Maple trees are generally available from nurseries in one of three forms: container grown, balled and burlapped (B&B) or bare root trees. Each type of tree has its own advantages and disadvantages. Container grown trees have the advantage of a root system that is relatively undisturbed at the time of planting.
Native Maples are also available as bigger trees, but the weight of the correspondingly larger containers and B&B soil balls requires the use of mechanical equipment to assist with the handling and planting of these trees. For the first time tree planter, planting large trees may be better left to professionals. Click here for information to help you decide what types of tree is best for you.
The following tree planting guide describes the planting of container-grown Native Maple trees 175-250 cm (height) with a stem caliper of 20-40 mm grown in plastic (polyethylene) containers. A crew of two can efficiently handle and plant trees of this size in any of the three forms.
If you haven’t already done so, prepare a Planting Plan that outlines what you would like to achieve and shows where the trees will be planted. Click here for information on preparing a planting plan.
Maple trees are loved for their spectacular fall foliage. While many maples thrive when planted in the ground, growing maple trees in pots is also possible. With the right potting mix, watering schedule, sunlight exposure, and winter protection, maples can flourish in containers.
Choosing the Right Maple Variety
While any maple tree can be grown in a pot, smaller varieties are better choices. Larger maple species like red maple and sugar maple can exceed 100 feet tall at maturity – far too large for most containers
Instead, opt for more compact maples. Japanese maples are top choices, with their graceful forms, decorative leaves, and petite sizes. Many only reach heights of 10 feet or less, making them ideal for pots. Other good options include Amur maple, tatarian maple, and paperbark maple.
Selecting the Right Pot
A container at least 24 inches wide and deep is a good starting point for most maple varieties Clay and ceramic pots are classic choices, as they allow air to flow through the sides while still retaining moisture well Plastic and resin pots can also work. Just be sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
For large maple specimens, look for extremely sturdy pots on rollers. Consider wine barrels or oversized ceramic containers. Make sure any large pot can be moved if needed, since maples in containers must be brought indoors or protected in winter.
Providing Proper Soil
Maples prefer mildly acidic, nutrient-rich soil that drains readily. A potting mix amended with compost or leaf mold creates ideal growing conditions. Avoid regular garden soil, as it may drain poorly and compress roots.
Add perlite, vermiculite, or small gravel to improve drainage and aeration. Place potting stones or packing peanuts at the bottom of pots to enhance drainage and prevent soil from leaking out.
Offering Adequate Water
Maple trees demand consistently moist soil. Their large leaves and shallow roots cause them to dry out quicker than many other plants. Check soil moisture frequently, watering whenever the top few inches become dry. Add mulch over the soil to retain moisture.
Ensure pots have drainage holes and avoid waterlogging. While maples like moist conditions, saturated soil denies oxygen to roots and encourages disease. Let excess water drain fully after watering.
Providing Proper Sunlight
Most maples grow best in full sun to part shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun daily allows trees to thrive. Insufficient light causes sparse foliage and stunted growth. Shelter trees from hot midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Rotate pots regularly so all sides receive equal light. Keep trees away from shady overhangs and buildings. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal for many varieties like Japanese maple.
Fertilizing Effectively
The confined roots of potted maples cannot access nutrients like in-ground trees. Apply balanced, extended-release fertilizer when growth begins in spring. Organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion also feed trees effectively.
Refrain from high-nitrogen formulas, as these stimulate excessive foliage growth that requires more water. Follow label directions to determine optimal feeding rates and frequency.
Providing Winter Care
Freezing temperatures and drying winds can severely damage container maples. Move pots to an unheated garage or cellar before your first fall frost. Ensure temperatures stay above freezing but plants remain dormant.
Water sparingly over winter, only enough to keep roots from drying out completely. Prune away dead branches in early spring after bringing trees back outdoors. Transplant into larger containers every 2-3 years as needed.
Avoiding Common Problems
Improper care causes several issues in container maples. Prevent diseases like root rot by allowing soil to dry adequately between waterings. Promote vigorous growth through proper sunlight, fertilization, and transplanting.
Shelter trees from strong wind gusts that can damage branches and desiccate leaves. Monitor for pests like aphids and scale. Apply organic treatments promptly at the first signs of an infestation.
Enjoying Maples on Your Patio
With some simple care strategies, it is quite feasible to grow maple trees in pots. The right variety, frequent watering, adequate sunlight, and winter protection allows these gorgeous trees to thrive on patios and decks. Take time to properly plant and care for your container maple, and you will be rewarded with years of beauty.
Before you start digging:
Call Ontario One at 1-800-400-2255, anytime, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, at least 5 days in advance of when you plan to start digging. By making this call, you’ll stay safe and avoid damage to buried lines and utilities. Native Maples are classified as Tall Trees. Hydro One specifies a minimum “tall tree setback” of at least 8 meters from the centreline of any overhead powerlines. Maple Leaves Forever recommends a minimum of 10 metres. Click here for information on tree setback.
- Ask someone to help you when you are planting more than a few trees. The work will go much faster.
- Using your planting plan as a guide and a tape measure, locate and mark where each tree will be planted.
- Call the nursery at least a week in advance of when you would like to pick up the trees or to arrange for their delivery. Give the nursery time to prepare your order.
- Do not accept trees that are excessively root-bound. Ask to see the roots of a few sample trees at the nursery. Avoid trees that have a large amount of roots completely circling the inside of the pot.
- When the trees arrive, store them in a shady, wind protected location and keep the root balls moist until it is time to start planting. Always handle the tree by the container or root ball, not by the trunk.
Best Soil For Maple in Pots
Maples prefers moist, loamy, acidic soil that drains well. Poorly draining soil can encourage the development of fungal diseases, including root rot. Amend average potting soil with perlite or compost to lighten the soil texture. Also, ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes that are not blocked by clumps of soil. To help maintain soil moisture during the summer heat, add a thin layer of mulch to the surface of maple’s soil.
How To Grow Japanese Maples in Pots – Complete Care Guide
FAQ
Can maple trees grow in containers?
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.Aug 9, 2024
What do you do with potted maple trees in the winter?
They’re best overwintered by sinking the entire pot in the ground up to the rim in a sheltered location out of the wind, and then mulching lightly over the top with about a foot of loose straw. Keep tabs on their moisture levels over the winter if you don’t get normal rain and snowfall, and otherwise leave them alone.
What is the best maple tree for pots?
Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ (Japanese Maple)
Slow-growing, this dense Japanese Maple features an upright, globe-shaped habit and is ideal for containers or small gardens.
How do you take care of a potted maple tree?
Potted maples do best in morning sun and afternoon shade. They prefer cool roots, so sheltering the pot from hot sun is ideal. Avoid large areas of concrete exposed to full sun, especially afternoon sun, that will heat up in afternoon and create a micro climate of hot dry air that can lead to leaf scorch.