Japanese maples will grow healthier and brighter leaves if you avoid 1 common task in July

Japanese maples should be looking vibrant in July, so it might seem obvious to fertilise your plants to get an even brighter tree. However, trees in the middle of summer are slowing down their growth, so feeding a Japanese maple now will put lots of stress on the plant and not actually help it.

In fact, Japanese maples are very sensitive in summer since their soil is so dry which means they need to be watered constantly and fertiliser can burn the roots. Damaged roots will cause the tree to struggle to absorb water, which means the leaves will suddenly drop off the plant, the branches will begin wilting, and it will not grow properly.

Instead, Elaine, a gardener and founder of Sunny Simple Life, has shared that mulching is the best way to keep a Japanese maple happy and healthy in hot weather.

Elaine said, "Once a year, I clean below the trees and lay a nice thick layer of mulch or wood chips over the ground."

Why mulch a Japanese maple in summer?

Mulching is a gardening practice of covering the soil around a plant with natural material. This not only feeds the plant but also protects it from extreme weather conditions.

This highly benefits Japanese maples as the mulch breaks down slowly so it will not harm the tree's sensitive roots, and it can also hold a lot of water which will drip into the soil.

Japanese maples naturally grow in wooded areas of Asia where the soil is moist and there is a lot of decaying leaf matter on the ground for them to feed on.

The best mulch for Japanese maples will mimic their natural environment, which is why wood chips from hardwood trees (like oaks or beech) are fantastic, as they can retain a lot of moisture.

Mulch not only feeds the tree but also acts like a sponge to keep water in the soil and keep the roots cool, so the Japanese maple can focus on growing its beautiful leaves rather than simply surviving.

How to keep a Japanese maple tree healthy in summer

All you need to do is spread a thin layer of mulch around the base of the tree. Japanese maples prefer moist yet well-drained soil, so avoid piling mulch against the trunk as this can trap excess moisture and cause rot.

Aim for a mulch layer about five centimetres thick, positioned at least 10cm away from the trunk. Water the tree deeply at least twice a week and more often during droughts or particularly hot days.

Check your Japanese maple regularly, as its roots are vulnerable in summer. Mulching helps retain enough moisture in the soil to keep the tree healthy.

Mulching will keep your Japanese maple looking its best and encourage lots of richly-coloured leaves, whether they are green, red or golden, that remain beautiful throughout the summer.