Japanese maples are hardy trees that cope well with the dry conditions of summer – but only if they are properly cared for. An expert has urged gardeners to try out one easy five-minute task
Although Japanese maples are typically robust plants that will thrive even throughout the warmer summer period, particularly once they’ve matured, they do face challenges during the scorching heat and parched conditions of summer.
However, with a little extra love and care during hotter spells, these stunning crimson trees can stay healthy and vibrant all year round. And one five-minute trick in particular is said to do wonders.
Gardening expert Michael Francis from Maple Ridge Nursery explains that irrigation is among the most important aspects to concentrate on when helping Japanese maples survive summer.
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Yet, the quantity of water to apply is something numerous gardeners struggle to master correctly, reports the Express. Michael stressed, “Watering is crucial for Japanese maples during summer. These trees prefer consistently moist soil but can suffer from overwatering. Water frequency can vary greatly by climate and situation.”
He proceeded to suggest that gardeners should aim to irrigate thoroughly up to three times weekly for recently planted specimens and “no more than once per week” for mature trees. Natural rainfall will usually provide adequate hydration for your established Japanese maples, though you’ll want to ensure they receive thorough watering at least once every fortnight.
Gardeners should also frequently monitor the moisture content of the soil surrounding their Japanese maple. To accomplish this, simply push your finger or a moisture gauge approximately one to two inches down into the earth. Should the soil feel parched at this level, it’s time to provide water.
Monitoring soil dampness prevents insufficient and excessive watering. When watering Japanese maples, it’s crucial to ensure they receive a thorough soaking. The expert advised, “This means at least five minutes of watering.”
Giving your planted Japanese maples a deep watering will encourage the growth of deeper roots, making your tree more resistant to drought. Japanese maples in pots will need a “deep watering nearly every other day” during the sweltering summer months.
For Japanese maples in containers, you should water until you see the liquid draining from the bottom of the pot. This guarantees that the entire root system is being hydrated. Avoid watering Japanese maples from above, as damp foliage can lead to fungal diseases and leaf scorch in the intense sun.
Japanese maples only absorb water through their roots, so there’s no advantage to watering the leaves. As the weather turns cooler in the autumn, Japanese maples will require less hydration.
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