Acers look so delicate that you'd be forgiven for thinking they are difficult to care for once they are planted out. They may look stunning but surely they come with a high cost in terms of maintenance? Well, not really. If there's one thing Japanese maples have taught me over the years, it's that they really don't ask for much.

They may have an undeserved reputation for being delicate and demanding, but that's far from the reality of growing one in your garden. Indeed, once you've planted your Acer in the right place and given it a good start, it will largely get on with life quite happily. Unlike many fussy plants, an Acer doesn't need constant attention, expensive feeds, or endless pruning. In fact, you'll often do it more harm than good by fussing over it too much.

But that's not to say you can simply plant and forget. Gardening is never quite that easy. Like most plants, Japanese maples do need a little care every now and again as we progress through the year. Thankfully, only a small amount of attention is usually all that's needed to keep them healthy, colourful, and looking their very best.

So, what should you do, and when should you do it?

Spring: New Growth

Spring is such a wonderful time in the garden and this is when your Japanese maple really begins to wake up after its winter rest.

Fresh leaves start to emerge, often showing colours that are completely different from the mature foliage you'll see later in the year. This is the most exciting time of the year for me and there are a few simple tasks you can do to ensure your tree starts the gardening year in the right way.

During spring it's worth:

• Checking the tree for any winter damage.
• Putting down a fresh layer of mulch around the base of the tree.
• Watering (but not too much) if the weather becomes unusually dry.
• Keeping an eye out for healthy new growth.

Avoid the temptation to overfeed your Acer. Healthy soil and good growing conditions are usually enough.

Summer: Protecting Foliage

Summer can be a tricky period for Acers and their owners. During spells of prolonged hot or windy weather an Acer can suffer from brown leaf edges, curled leaves, or foliage that simply looks tired.

If this happens, don't panic and immediately assume something has gone seriously wrong. Most summer problems are caused by:

• Dry soil.
• Strong winds.
• Hot afternoon sun.
• Temporary drought stress.

If your Acer starts showing these symptoms, our guide to why your Acer isn't thriving explains the most common causes and how to deal with them.

Just bear in mind that regular watering during extended dry spells is usually far more beneficial than reaching for fertiliser.

Autumn: Sit Back and Enjoy the Display

Autumn is when the real Acer magic happens. This is when Japanese maples really show why many gardeners consider them among the most beautiful ornamental trees you can grow.

Depending on the variety of Acer you're growing you'll see:

• Bright scarlet reds.
• Rich oranges.
• Golden yellows.
• Deep burgundy tones.

One of the pleasures of growing Acers is watching the tree change slightly every year. Avoid heavy pruning during autumn. Instead, simply enjoy the display and allow the tree to prepare itself naturally for the long winter to come.

Winter: Less Is More

Like most of us, winter is when your Acer is resting. The tree will lose its leaves, but you'll be able to appreciate the elegant branching structure that looks superb throughout the colder months.

The tree will basically look after itself but there are a few simple jobs you can do to help it through the winter.

During winter:

• Remove any broken or damaged branches.
• Check ties on newly planted trees.
• Keep containers from becoming waterlogged.
• Leave the tree to do its own thing.

Resist the temptation to keep doing jobs simply because you feel you should. Sometimes less really is more and the best thing you can do is nothing at all.

Watering Your Acer

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming established Acers need constant watering.

In reality:

• Newly planted Acers need regular watering during their first season.
• Established trees usually only need extra water during prolonged dry weather.
• Container-grown Acers need checking more frequently.

A thorough soak every so often is generally far better than little and often.

Feeding: Don't Overdo It

Japanese maples aren't particularly hungry plants. Good soil, plenty of organic matter, and annual mulching will usually be all they need to stay strong and healthy.

Be careful because overfeeding could encourage soft growth that's more vulnerable to weather damage.

Should You Prune an Acer?

This is probably one of the most common questions we get asked. The answer is usually: not as often as you think.

Most Japanese maples naturally develop attractive shapes without much intervention.

Pruning is generally only needed to:

• Remove damaged wood.
• Improve airflow.
• Correct crossing branches.

If you prune the tree too much you could spoil the elegant appearance that makes Acers so attractive.

The Importance of Good Positioning

Many ongoing maintenance problems disappear altogether if your Acer is growing in the right place. Shelter from wind, suitable light, and well-drained soil will always make more of a difference than expensive feeds or too much maintenance.

If you're still deciding where to plant your tree, our guide to where to plant a Japanese maple explains the ideal growing conditions.

Choosing the Right Acer Makes Care Easier

Different varieties have slightly different characteristics. Some naturally stay compact, others need a little more sunshine, while some are particularly well suited to containers. Choosing the right variety from the start often means less maintenance later.

If you're still deciding, our guide to the best Japanese maple varieties will help you narrow down the options.

Final Thoughts

Looking after a Japanese maple isn't difficult and doesn't need to become one of those endless maintenance jobs that can make us question our choice of hobby. Once established, most Acers ask for very little in return for the spectacular colour and structure they provide throughout the year.

The best things you can do for your Acer are to water sensibly, avoid overfeeding, prune only when necessary, and let the tree develop naturally.

Sometimes the best thing a gardener can do is simply step back and enjoy watching a beautiful Acer do exactly what nature intended it to do.

Explore Our Range of Acer Trees

Whether you're planting your very first Japanese maple or adding another variety to an ever-growing collection, you'll find a superb selection of Acer trees on the Direct Plants website.

From compact patio varieties and elegant green Acers to dramatic red-leaved specimens and graceful laceleaf forms, there's a Japanese maple to suit almost every garden and every gardener.