How to Grow a Maple Tree? Cultivation Methods and Points to Note

The maple tree is a relatively famous tree species, with a graceful tree shape and leaves that turn red when they fall. From ancient times to the present, it has been praised by many famous people and scholars. So, how do you grow a maple tree?

1. Planting

Maple trees are best planted in February to March before spring budding. Before planting, the branches and roots should be pruned once, and half of the old soil should be removed and replaced with new soil, and decomposed bean cake should be applied at the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer. Maple trees like loose, fertile and moist soil, and grow poorly in barren land. For planting maple trees, you can use 2/3 humus soil mixed with 1/3 sandy soil.

2. Location

Maple trees like a shaded and cool environment and avoid direct strong sunlight, so bonsai should be placed under a shade shed or under other trees for care. If placed in strong light or on a balcony, leaf scorch often occurs. Because indoor ventilation is poor, a maple bonsai should not be kept indoors for more than one week, otherwise it is unfavorable for growth. In winter in the north, the maple bonsai should be moved into a low-temperature indoor room, while in the south it is enough to bury the pot in wind-sheltered, sun-facing soil for it to overwinter safely.

3. Watering

Maple leaves are large and evaporate water quickly. During the growing season, water frequently. In hot weather, sprinkle water on the ground frequently to keep the microclimate moist. In winter, the maple tree enters dormancy, so water less; as long as the pot soil is moist, it can be left unwatered.

4. Fertilizing

Before spring budding and when the leaves unfold, apply one application each of decomposed dilute organic liquid fertilizer, but do not fertilize on rainy days. In August to September, apply one application each of decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter dormant period.

5. Pruning

Maple trees have strong sprouting ability and often grow new buds on the trunk. All buds not needed for shaping and overly dense branches should be cut off in time, which not only saves nutrients but also helps ventilation and light penetration. The best viewing period for maple trees is when the new leaves have just unfolded. If all the leaves are removed in late summer and one application of decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer is applied, new leaves will grow in about 20 days, thus adding another best viewing period.

6. Pest and Disease Control

Common diseases include brown spot disease and powdery mildew. When disease occurs, spray with 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 800 to 1000 times dilution, once every 10 to 15 days, for 2 to 3 consecutive sprays. The main insect pests are the yellow (yellow stinging moth) and the glossy marmorated longhorn beetle.

For the control of the yellow stinging moth, generally in late autumn to early spring, dig out pupae while plowing the land and destroy them in a centralized way, or spray with 50% fenitrothion emulsion at 1000 times dilution in the early stage of larval occurrence. For the glossy marmorated longhorn beetle, for eggs and larvae that have not yet bored into the xylem, spray the larval stage on the trunk with 50% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate at 150 times dilution. For seriously damaged young trees, cut them down from the base and burn them in a centralized way, or inject 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 100 to 200 times dilution into the bore holes and then seal the holes with mud for a better effect.

Maple trees can add vitality and splendor to most landscapes. Friends with the conditions can try planting them in their own yards.