Do Japanese maples prefer sun or shade?

Most Japanese maples prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, especially laceleaf types with finely cut foliage. In cooler climates many uprights tolerate full sun if soil moisture is consistent and wind exposure is low.

What soil is best for Japanese maples?

A well-drained, slightly acidic, organic-rich soil is ideal. Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay and sites with standing water; raise the planting area or amend for drainage if needed. Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping it off the trunk.

When and how should I prune a Japanese maple?

Prune lightly in late winter or midsummer to maintain structure—remove dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches and preserve the natural form. Avoid heavy spring cuts that can bleed sap and summer cuts during extreme heat.

Why are the leaves scorching or browning at the tips?

Leaf scorch is commonly due to heat, wind, and drought stress, or excess afternoon sun. Deep but infrequent watering, wind protection, organic mulch, and shifting to a site with afternoon shade help prevent it.

Can Japanese maples grow in containers?

Yes—choose a dwarf or slower-growing cultivar, use a high-quality well-draining potting mix, and a container with ample drainage. Water more frequently than in ground and fertilize lightly in spring. Repot every 2–4 years.

What’s the difference between laceleaf and upright Japanese maples?

Laceleaf (dissectum) cultivars have finely cut leaves and a low, cascading form, ideal for small gardens and containers. Upright types have broader lobed leaves and taller, tree-like habits suited for specimen planting.

Are grafted trees better than seed-grown Japanese maples?

Grafted cultivars reliably replicate color, leaf shape, and form of the named variety. Seed-grown plants are more variable; some are excellent but won’t match a cultivar’s traits exactly.

Japanese Maple Calculator

Choose the right Acer palmatum type for your site, estimate spacing and tree count, and get practical care guidance to prevent leaf scorch and container stress.

Fast • Planning-level • No signup

Your site

USDA zone

Most Japanese maples thrive in zones 5–8 with protection from extreme heat and wind.

Summer heat intensity

Sun exposure

Wind exposure

Planting type

Preferred form

Recommendation panel

Adjust inputs to see recommendations.

Related tools & guides:
Japanese maples guide Maple trees hub Tree spacing calculator Bonsai trees Landscape trees

Placement & Variety

This tab suggests which type of Japanese maple fits your sun/heat/wind conditions, then offers cultivar ideas you can actually shop for.

Leaf color preference

Seasonal highlight

Tip: In hot climates, red laceleaf cultivars often scorch in full afternoon sun—morning sun + shade is safer.

Spacing & Tree Count

Estimate how many trees fit comfortably without crowding. Use this for courtyards, entries, patios, and small yards.

Usable planting area (sq ft)

Target spacing (ft)

Auto-suggested from form; you can override.

Canopy overlap preference

For rows, hedges, or formal layouts, pair this with the full Tree Spacing Calculator.

Leaf Scorch Risk

Leaf scorch is usually driven by hot afternoon sun, dry winds, and inconsistent watering. This tab estimates risk and suggests care steps.

Watering reliability

Mulch & root cooling

Planning-level guidance. For persistent scorch, test irrigation coverage, check reflected heat (walls/pavers), and avoid heavy fertilization in summer.

Container Planner

Containers dry faster and heat up more than in-ground roots. Use this tab to pick a practical pot size and care cadence.

Current tree height (ft)

Cultivar size class

Winter exposure (pots)

Rule of thumb: use a well-draining mix and avoid letting pots sit in water. Repot every 2–4 years.

Want the complete guide? Visit Japanese Maples: Care, Varieties, Pruning & Placement.

Tree Carbon Calculator →

Japanese Maple Trees

Softwoods

Hardwoods

Calculators

Resources

Programs

Japanese Maple Calculator

Your site

Recommendation panel

Placement & Variety

Spacing & Tree Count

Leaf Scorch Risk

Container Planner

Tree Plantation

Explore

Head Office

Field Office