Growing Acer (Japanese Maple)

Pronunciation: ay'sir  

Plant Acer in soil that is average to moist, and well drained. Little pruning is necessary, except to remove dead, broken, or wayward branches in late fall to midwinter.

To protect the leaves of Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) from scorching, choose a location away from drying winds and hot sun. Most varieties grow at a slow to moderate rate (less than 12″ per year). Late spring frosts may damage the tender new leaves.

Planting the Golden Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum') in partial shade protects its leaves from scorching and gives them the best yellow coloring.