If you’re head over heels for Autumn’s pops of colour, you are definitely not alone! In fact, this is one of the main reasons why Japanese Maple Trees are popular in Brisbane.
Their colourful foliage and leaves make the trees stand out. The trees’ dark twisted branches are a marvel. And the small frame gives you an excellent view of its foliage. Any home in Australia that has these trees in its gardens surely sees its value skyrocket.
You need special skills to grow Japanese maple trees. But don’t be intimidated. With the right guide, we guarantee that you can grow Japanese maple trees in your own yard!
Yes, You Can!
The good news – for those wondering if the trees can grow in Brisbane – is yes, they can. In fact, Japanese maple trees can grow pretty much anywhere in Australia as long as you know what to do.
The first step is selecting the best plant for your property. Not all maple trees are the same. From Japanese Maple bonsai to Acer Palmatum, you’ll be surprised by the many varieties of Japanese Maples.
After doing your research and deciding on the type of tree you want, you can head on to the next step: Planting.
There are two options in planting. The first is direct seeding. It’s a straightforward process that involves collecting seeds, sowing, and growing them. As easy as it is, the main challenge with this process is it might not give you the right type of Japanese maple trees in Brisbane. Trees that grow directly from seeds tend to be more generic. Your garden or yard might be full of a combination of red and green trees, which isn’t ideal.
The second method is transplanting. This involves transferring seedlings with two or four “true” leaves into your garden plot. Using this method allows you to see how your selected plant type will look like because true leaves are simply smaller versions of a tree’s adult foliage. This is the best option for planting Japanese Maples!
Taking Australia By Storm
Japanese Maple Trees are one of the most sought-after garden plants in Australia. With its graceful autumn colour, you don’t even have to ask why. Over the years, there has been an increase in the demand for Acer Palmatum seedlings, especially as more varieties become available to the Australian homeowner. With the different types of Japanese Maples, gardeners are able to tailor the size of these trees for the garden’s location.
Do’s and Don’ts
Planning on starting soon? It’s worth remembering these important points:
- The trees don’t do well with too much fertiliser
- Avoid planting the trees in soggy or wet soil. We recommend sandy loam soil
- Your soil should be only slightly acidic, generally around 5.6 – 6.5 pH
- Keep the trees away from wet feet
- Water the trees without soaking their roots daily
- Plant most of your Japanese Maple in the afternoon shade to minimise leaf burn and get a better colour
As we said before, transplanting or grafting is the best method to use for adding Japanese Maple trees in your garden. Here is our simple yet effective guide for grafting to help you out!
How To Graft A Japanese Maple Tree
- Select the variation with your desired root system
- Once its trunk has a diameter of ⅛ of an inch, move the seedling into a greenhouse a month before the grafting
- To graft, take a cutting of about the same trunk diameter from the cultivar you want for your foliage
- Carefully join the lower and upper section of your Japanese Maple
- Secure the graft with grafting wax
Did You Know?
The original Japanese name for maple trees is Kaede. Roughly translated, it means “frog hands”. It was named as such because of how it looked like in early foliage. It is now commonly called Momiji which actually refers to the change in the leaves’ colour during autumn.
Perfect For The Courtyards
What is clear and evident here is the fact that Japanese maple trees can grow and do exceptionally well in Brisbane. The fact that they are small makes them ideal for even the smallest lots.
Japanese Maples are not able to grow too big to a point where they threaten the structural integrity of your building. There is no reason to worry about their roots messing up with the water or sewer pipes too because its roots are compact. This makes it perfect for homes – even inside the city, as it doesn’t affect the house’s foundation!
Things To Keep In Mind
Japanese Maples are generally low-maintenance, but strong. The trees are capable of providing your home with the much-needed shade, especially during the hot season when sun rays find their way inside and cause plenty of discomforts. Plant the trees at a good angle so they block the rays.
It’s also best to remember that they are not the fastest growers in garden trees. With the right level of patience and care, we guarantee that you’ll get your Japanese Maple blooming this autumn!
Plant your own Japanese Maples by buying seeds or seedlings now! You can also try out ordering maples by mail for a stress-free start. In time, these will grow into beautiful plants that improve your property’s value and aesthetic appeal.
Need some help? When it comes to your gardening needs, be sure to get in touch with our gardeners in Brisbane to find out how we can make it easier!
