Japanese maples don’t have helicopters, though it’s easy to see why gardeners new to these trees might wonder if they do.   When people ask me “do Japanese maples have helicopters,” they’re usually thinking about the spinning seeds, called samaras, that fall from maple trees in late spring and early … Read more

Japanese maples do have large root systems, but they are surprisingly shallow and wide-spreading rather than deep.   If you’ve been asking whether Japanese maples have large root systems, the short answer is yes, they can extend two to three times the width of the canopy.   These roots are … Read more

Japanese maples do have green leaves, but that’s only part of the story. In fact, many of the most popular Japanese maples are green-leaved varieties, and they’re just as stunning as their red or purple cousins. If you’ve been wondering whether Japanese maples have green leaves, the answer is a … Read more

Japanese maples do drop their leaves in fall, and this is one of the most spectacular shows in the gardening world.   When autumn arrives, these trees put on a dazzling display of reds, oranges, and golds before shedding their foliage for winter.   If you have a Japanese maple, … Read more

Japanese maples do well in shade, and they actually thrive when protected from harsh afternoon sun.   These beautiful trees are naturally understory plants in their native woodland habitats, so they’re perfectly adapted to life in dappled or partial shade.   If you’ve been wondering whether Japanese maples do well … Read more

Japanese maples do well in pots, and in fact, they are among the best trees for container gardening when given the right care.   If you’ve been wondering whether Japanese maples do well in pots, the short answer is a resounding yes, and they can thrive for decades in a … Read more

Japanese maples can do well in full sun, but only when certain conditions are met.   If you’ve been wondering whether Japanese maples do well in full sun, the honest answer is that it depends on your climate, the specific variety, and how much care you’re willing to give.   … Read more

Japanese maple trees do need a lot of water, especially during their first few years of establishment, but they also require well-draining soil to avoid root rot.   If you’ve been asking yourself “do Japanese maple trees need a lot of water,” the short answer is yes, these trees are … Read more

Japanese maple trees need a mix of both sun and shade, though they thrive best with morning sun and afternoon shade.   If you’re asking yourself, “do japanese maple trees need sun or shade,” the short answer is that they need a balance of the two.   These elegant trees … Read more

Yes, Japanese maple trees do lose their leaves in the winter.   It’s a normal part of their yearly cycle, and these trees are fully deciduous.   If you’ve been asking whether Japanese maple trees lose their leaves in the winter, the answer is a clear yes, and it’s nothing … Read more