If you wish to keep a Japanese maple tree healthy, it is incredibly important for gardeners to keep checking on it in summer, as they are very vulnerable to the heat. Japanese summers are typically humid and damp, so when the temperature rises in Britain, these beautiful trees can struggle, with their roots drying out and their leaves burning.
Since Japanese maples have shallow roots that dry out more quickly than they can absorb moisture in hot weather, they may suffer from stunted growth and permanent leaf drop even if they are not watered regularly. However, the gardening experts at Eastwoods Nurseries have shared a really simple way to keep Japanese maples hydrated in summer, and all you need is some shredded bark.
They said: “Mulch your trees with two and a half to three inches of shredded bark, preferably hardwood, to insulate the roots and prevent water from evaporating around the tree.”
Adding organic material to the soil around a plant is called mulching, which during summer helps retain moisture and allows water to slowly seep down to the roots.
Shredded bark is one of the best mulches for Japanese maples. It can hold lots of water and acts like a sponge to keep the tree hydrated no matter how hot it is.
Mulching can also insulate the soil to keep the Japanese maple cool, and as the shredded bark breaks down, it feeds the tree, keeping it healthy.
Using shredded bark mulch is a natural way to prevent a Japanese maple from losing its leaves in summer. Thus, you can look forward to a strong and flourishing tree once autumn arrives.
How to mulch a Japanese maple with shredded bark
Garden bark mulch can be bought at most gardening centres, but can also be found at hardware stores like B&Q or even supermarkets like Tesco.
Once you have your bag of mulch, you need to apply a thin layer around the Japanese maple tree. It should be around two and a half to three inches thick (which is around six to seven and a half centimetres).
Do not apply a really thick layer of mulch, as it can suffocate the soil and block any water from reaching the roots. Make sure to also keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk, as too much moisture buildup in this area can cause rotting or mould.
Water the Japanese maple at least twice a week in summer, and if mulched, it will stay healthy and vibrant. However, it may need to be watered more if it is a young tree or in a container.
Only apply mulch in summer, and avoid fertilising the tree, as feeding during hot weather encourages weak, leggy growth that is unlikely to survive the autumn.