The Beauty of Green Full Grown Japanese Maple Trees

Japanese maple trees are renowned for their graceful form and beautiful foliage. While many varieties display striking red or orange leaves, green leaf cultivars have an understated elegance When allowed to reach maturity, green Japanese maples develop into spectacular specimens that make an impact in any landscape.

An Overview of Green Japanese Maple Trees

Japanese maple trees belong to the Acer palmatum species with well over 1000 cultivars to choose from. The iconic palmate, or hand-shaped leaf forms are deeply cut and lacey. While red and coral bark varieties offer winter interest, green types are prized for leaf shapes and textures.

Full grown green Japanese maples reach heights between 15 to 25 feet, with a similar spread. Growth rates depend on the cultivar, but most increase only a foot or two per year when young. Their eventual size makes them ideal as focal points or shade trees.

Green leafed maples display their best color in spring and fall. The new spring growth flush is fresh and bright. Autumn brings tones of golden yellow or orange. Some add burgundy highlights before the leaves drop.

Notable Green Leaf Cultivars

A few green leafed Japanese maple standouts include:

• Aoyagi – Also called green coral bark maple, it has lime green spring leaves that fade to medium green in summer. Bark is bright green that turns coral in winter. Grows 20 feet high and wide.

• Katsura – Brilliant spring yellow foliage morphs to chartreuse, then green in summer. Fall brings golden orange and red highlights. Grows up to 20 feet high and wide.

• O isami – Large bright green leaves in spring and summer with brilliant orange-red fall color. Upright form becomes rounded with age, up to 20 feet high and wide.

• Tsuma gaki – Feathery green dissected leaves turn orange-red in fall. Grows to form a cascading mound to 10 feet high by 12 feet wide.

• Viridis – The standard green laceleaf type with spring yellow-green leaves. changes to orange and red in autumn. Grows to a 6 foot tall, weeping mound.

Growing Conditions

While Japanese maples thrive in the right conditions, they need some care to flourish. Here are a few growing tips:

• Sun: Dappled sun or afternoon shade is best. Morning sun is tolerated. Avoid reflected heat.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil amended with compost is ideal. Japanese maples are sensitive to poor drainage.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Mulch helps retain soil moisture. Avoid drought stress.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring before leaf emergence. Avoid high nitrogen products.

• Pruning: Selective pruning when young trains an attractive shape. Mature trees may need occasional thinning or structure correction. Avoid heavy pruning.

Design Uses in the Landscape

The refined nature of green full grown Japanese maples makes them very versatile in garden designs. Consider using them:

• As a focal point specimen planted alone or in a small grove.

• For seasonal color near entries or patio areas.

• To provide dappled shade over seating areas or woodland gardens.

• As an accent or specimen near water features or Asian style gardens.

• To add fine texture among foundation plantings or in mixed borders.

• Planted in containers on decks, patios, or entryways.

While flashy colored varieties get more attention, green leaf Japanese maples have a stately sophistication. Their subtle hues, graceful form, and fine textures enable them to complement any setting. With adequate care, they will develop into enviable landscape specimens that draw the eye. Make room for a green Japanese maple to add its understated elegance to your garden.