Q: I have Japanese maple trees in pots on my elevated deck facing east. Can these survive winter on the deck or must I bring them inside at the first frost?

A: Japanese maple trees should be perfectly winter-hardy outdoors but to be safe, pull the pots close to your house wall for root protection. Be sure the pot drains through the bottom and elevate it off the deck with bricks or pot feet. This prevents soggy roots and possible freeze damage to the pot.