japanese maple in zone 5: is more sun or less sun better?

14 years ago

I am "rescuing" a JM ('Atropurpurea' type ) that was planted under a huge maple in someone's yard, it's tall and spindly and needs some TLC.

I am trying to choose which location in my yard to plant it. Online research indicates part sun to full sun... but what's really ideal?

One option, the "less sun" spot, gets maybe 3 hours of direct morning sun, then filtered/dappled shade from tall evergreens, then 2-3 hours afternoon sun (in summer. quite a bit less in winter due to the tall evergreens)

The other "more sun" spot, to the west of the garage, is fully shaded until about 11 AM, then full sun the rest of the day. So, in summer 7 hours of direct, hot full sun... less in winter (4-5??)

Both get more sun in summer than in winter, due to the low sun being blocked more by tall evergreens at the perimeter of the property. Neither is terribly exposed, wind-wise, although the less-sun area is more protected.

Which of these two spots do you think is better for this tree? I'd really like to give it the best conditions possible so it will settle in happily and start filling out -I hope!- sooner.

I would much rather plant it in the more-sun location west of the garage, if it'll be happy enough there.

What do you think?

Thanks!

Stacey

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Comments (5)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
as far as i am concerned.. winter sun.. and winter wind is the problem ..

otherwise 'established' ... it should handle summer sun .... which i would not worry about ... i grew them in full sun in my z5 .. in suburbia.. i cant grow them out here in flat farm country z5.... hence the winter wind issue for me ....

that said.. are you moving a large leafed out tree ....???

you may have problems.. no matter what you do ..

but if it has to be done.. you have no choice

ken
User
14 years ago
Mine is planted in southern exposure but has some later afternoon shading from taller red and sugar maples. I think your Japanese will do fine in the sunnier postition in coastal Maine--no problem.
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Good someone else posted ...one problem with this site is you can't ( or I haven't figured out) how to do a direct followup..if I leave something out IT won't let ya wants you to start another thread... Anyway your additional info on protection I think is very apropros...The more screening you have the better I have white pines ...Big "ums" on the north and west of my 1&1/2 acre back yard and my large two story brick on the south...the only semi exposed side is the east and as we all know it is not often storms and wind come from that direction (here)...( Boston YES)... I do NOT plant Jm's in my front yard cause of strong south winds winter and summer and the farmers field just accross the road who sprays herbicides whenever the jerk pleases...and even in non windy conditions roundup and other stuff can jump from field to field. The idea of burlap wrap seems logical ... I enclose all my jms ( younger ones ) in 4 ft 3/8" rebar sorounded by 2 ft chicken wire to keep the rabbits/ mice out and my jerk young dog who will eat anything it also provides a good enclosure for a heavey the mulching ( I use cedar mulch ...less bug problems )...it would be a very easy step to attach burlap to that...( you might want to use 3 or 4 ft chicken wire if they are bigger trees and keep the burlap higher)...you'd be killing two problems with one stone that way. Once you get the hang of it ( buy a cheap pair of tin snips for cutting the chicken wire)it takes about 2-3 minites a tree and requires NO tying of the wire...just wrapping ( you would have to tie the burlap on some how)... I also agree on ebay and tree diseases ...although many sellers like herter, lace leaf, cal maple,nishiman are also nurseries and buying from them pretty much insures at least occasional inspections ...My complaint is size and often down right mis-representation...most one year grafts are actually only "first year grafts not more than 4-6 months old at most!!! and many one gals are not two years old but actually just ONE!!! david
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Stacey Collins
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, guys.
Yes, this is a leafed-out tree. it's 8-10 feet tall but really spindly (planted in way too much shade and no nutrients) so it's not very "large", just tall. Trunk is perhaps 2" or 2.5" across. I'm hoping I can move it without killing it!
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
14 years ago
Japanese (and other Asian) maples are by nature understory trees and are accustomed to a part shade location. "Ideally", a situation that provided morning sun and afternoon shade is a preferred location, avoiding the more intense and hotter late afternoon sun.

However, most red leafed maples can tolerate a great deal of sun without issues, provided all other growing requirements are met. Given the two locations outlined above and the size of the tree now, I'd not be too inclined to move it - it will be far less stressful and better for long term growth to leave in place. A JM with a 2-2.5" diameter trunk is a good sized tree and will not transplant easily. And you certainly do not want to comtemplate doing so now - if you must move, wait until dormancy.
victor5
14 years ago
Several years ago in Saco, Maine, I moved a Crimson Queen Japanese Maple that had a 3 inch trunk to a better location. Needless to say, do this the absolute earliest you can in the spring when the tree is still dormant from winter. As it si too late this year, start pruning this tree into an improved shape and get it ready for the move next spring. Water the moved tree regularly so as not to dry out after the move next year and for the entire summer. You should do well with the move.
These varieties do well in full sun in Maine in most locations.
Good Luck,

japanese maple in zone 5: is more sun or less sun better?

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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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japanese maple in zone 5: is more sun or less sun better?

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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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