What to Know About Japanese Maple Trees In Atlanta

There’s nothing better than a tree with “Wow!” factor. The size, the color, the shape. The right tree in the right place can truly take your breath away. There is no tree with more ability to turn heads than the Japanese Maple.

Initially brought to America in the 1800’s, the Japanese Maple (or Acer Palmatum) is mostly know for the bright, vivid colors of its flowers. With varied color types and a wide variety of leaf shapes and forms, the Japanese Maple really brings something for everyone. 

Prime Arbor Tree Specialists knows plenty about trees that are native to Georgia, but being the full-service tree care company that we are, we make it a point to educate ourselves about the intricacies of non-indigenous popular trees as well. Keep reading to find out more about how to cultivate Japanese Maple trees in Atlanta!

Why Plant a Japanese Maple?

Growing wild among the hills of Japan, Korea, China, and Russia, Japanese Maples have captivated the imagination of tree lovers. In Japan, it is known as “Momiji”, which literally translates to “Crimson Leaf.” The leaves on the trees tend to manifest as gorgeous reds and yellow, but there are varieties of many different colors, including plum, bronze, purple, and pink. 

Some Japanese Maples grow up to 30 feet, but with a thousand varieties, there is obviously a lot of variance. They grow slowly, about a foot a year, and some may be wider than they are tall.

They’re often used as a focal point of a courtyard garden, but they also thrive in the shade of more upright trees. They can be grown in full sun in cooler locations, but in Atlanta, you’re safer to plant them in the shadow of larger, more mature trees so their leaves won’t dry and shrivel. 

What Are Some Issues With Japanese Maple Trees in Atlanta?

Though Japanese Maple have a reputation for being picky, that’s largely undeserved. With the right care and attention given to their location and a little maintenance, they’re hardy trees that are disease resistant.

That doesn’t mean they’re immune to issues, though. For instance, they need to be planted in soil that drains well. They don’t like wet roots. They also don’t like to have wet leaves when the sun is out. It magnifies the heat which damages their delicate leaves.

Though they are disease resistant, there are still some that sneak through.

Phytophthora Root Rot is one of the biggest issues for Japanese Maples in home gardening situations. It’s caused by overly wet root systems, which Japanese Maples don’t tolerate.

Anthracnose is a fungus that leaves black spots or scorch marks on the leaves. It’s mostly found during rainy periods of high humidity when the spores can spread through rainwater.

Verticillium Wilt is a disease caused by a soil borne fungus that can cause discolored bark or branches. It can wreak havoc on your garden because it doesn’t discriminate. Anything with roots, it goes after.

Mites can also be an issue, along with other pests like aphids and root weevils.

Luckily, they’re tough trees and tend to bounce back from health scares. Just make sure they’re watered, but not overly so, and that you pay attention to any discoloration that might pop up.

As with any tree, an annual pruning will give our certified arborists the opportunity to detect any diseases early, giving you the best possible chance to make sure your Japanese Maple stays healthy for years to come. The best time for a pruning would be the summer months of July and August, so our tree technicians can avoid our hands being covered in fresh sap.

Japanese Maple – A Tree Lover’s Delight

Japanese Maple trees are equally at home as the centerpiece of a garden or as a bright spot in shady woodland spaces. They provide a pop of color and turn heads wherever they may be placed. Still… their beauty won’t be at it’s fullest if it becomes overgrown or sickly. 

Japanese Maple trees are a joy to have near your home. If you’re worried about a disease or a buildup of pests, don’t let it get out of hand. Call Prime Arbor Tree Specialists now and schedule your annual pruning. We’re at the ready, 24/7.