Japanese maples, treasured for their vibrant autumn foliage, need one simple task now to ensure a spectacular display of colour. With warm weather behind them, these acer trees must replenish their energy reserves swiftly before entering dormancy.
September and October are the ideal months for applying mulch around Japanese maples, according to gardening professionals at Maple Ridge Nursery. “Proper care practices like mulching contribute to maintaining the vibrancy of your Japanese maples' fall colour. This can be vital for quality colour in the foliage,” they said.
Why mulch now?
Gardening specialists at West Coast Gardens also advise mulching at this time of year. “Whether you are planting a new Japanese maple, or caring for an established tree, you'll want to add a layer of composted mulch or another organic material around the base of your tree in autumn,” they said.
Mulch is a material gardeners apply to cover the soil surface, offering numerous advantages, including moisture retention, weed suppression, and maintaining stable soil temperatures. It also improves the visual appeal of garden beds and helps prevent frost heaving during winter, promoting healthy root development.
Choosing the right mulch
Mulches are divided into two main categories: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch contains no synthetic components and is ideal for introducing beneficial nutrients to the garden; it can suppress weeds but won't permanently eliminate them. Some of the finest organic mulches include homemade compost, grass clippings, and fallen leaves.
Inorganic mulch is a man-made material, optimal for completely blocking weeds and retaining moisture. It lasts longer than organic alternatives but does not enrich the soil with nutrients.
How to apply mulch
To begin, weed carefully around the base of the tree. Thorough watering is then crucial, ensuring the ground is moist before mulching to lock moisture into the soil. Apply mulch to a depth of around 20cm, though a shallower layer will still promote growth and suppress weeds.
It is vital to keep mulch well clear of the trunk and bark. Experts highlight that the area above the graft site, where the roots meet the trunk, cannot cope with continual moisture. This prolonged dampness can harm the cambial layer, which generates new bark and wood, and could ultimately prove fatal to the tree.
