Most nurseries sell native maple trees in one of three styles: container grown, balled and burlapped, or Each type of tree has its own advantages and disadvantages. When you plant trees that were grown in containers, the roots aren’t disturbed as much, which is an advantage.
Native Maples can also be bought as bigger trees, but the weight of the bigger containers and B For the first time tree planter, planting large trees may be better left to professionals. Click here for information to help you decide what types of tree is best for you.
This tree planting guide shows how to plant Native Maple trees grown in plastic (polyethylene) containers that are 175-250 cm tall and have stems that are 20-40 mm wide. It only takes two people to move and plant these big trees in any of the three shapes.
In case you haven’t already, make a Planting Plan that shows where the trees will be planted and what you want to achieve. Click here for information on preparing a planting plan.
With their gorgeous fall foliage and shapely growth habit, maple trees are coveted landscape specimens. While they ultimately reach towering heights at maturity, you can enjoy maple trees on a smaller scale by growing them in containers.
Dwarf maple cultivars are ideal choices for pot culture. With proper selection, care, and overwintering, you can successfully grow maple trees on your patio, deck, or entryway in pots.
Choosing the Best Maple Variety for Pots
While most maples get far too large for long-term container growing, some compact varieties are well-suited to pots
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Japanese Maples – Extremely slow growing trees that mature at just 10-15 feet tall. Hundreds of small, ornamental cultivars exist.
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Amur Maple – An underutilized small maple that grows 10-15 feet tall Beautiful fall coloring
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Tatarian Maple – Vigorous but compact, growing 15-20 feet tall. Gorgeous red fall color.
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Paperbark Maple – Small, slow growing tree reaching 15-20 feet. Interesting peeling bark.
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Manitonka Maple – A dwarf Freeman maple cultivar that only grows 8 feet tall. Stunning red fall foliage.
Look for container-friendly cultivars that are specified to mature at under 10 feet for easiest long-term success in pots. Avoid fast-growing large maple species.
Selecting the Right Pot and Soil
Maple trees don’t like to be pot bound, so choose a container that allows room for growth:
- Minimum 15-25 gallon pot for dwarf varieties
- Plastic, ceramic, terracotta, concrete, and wood containers all work
- Must have drainage holes
Use a quality potting soil like a peat-based mix, but avoid soils with heavy moisture-retention or those containing slow-release fertilizer which could burn roots. Amend with:
- Compost or peat moss to retain moisture
- Perlite or bark chips to improve drainage
- Granular maple fertilizer to provide nutrients
Maple Tree Care in Pots
Caring for potted maple trees has some differences from trees planted in the ground:
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Water 1-2 times weekly during summer, less in other seasons. Test soil before watering.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Watch for signs of fertilizer burn.
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Prune only minimally to control size and shape. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Maple leaves easily scorch. Avoid hot, dry sites with reflected light.
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Repot every 2-3 years in early spring before growth resumes.
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In winter, shelter potted maples in an unheated garage or cellar before hard freezes begin.
Overwintering Maples Grown in Pots
The keys to overwintering container grown maple trees are:
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Providing consistent cool temperatures between 33-55°F – but not below freezing
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Limiting light to mimic dormancy; no need for artificial lighting
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Watering only every 4-6 weeks during winter; never let soil dry out fully
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Ensuring pots are sheltered from harsh winds and heavy snow loads
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Returning pots outdoors in early spring after final frost but before buds open
With the right overwintering conditions, even cold-climate maple varieties can thrive for years in patio pots and containers.
Troubleshooting Maples Grown in Containers
Maple trees are generally hardy, but container-grown plants can encounter issues like:
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Leaf scorch – From too much sun or wind exposure. Move to a protected shady spot.
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Leaf curling/cupping – From under or overwatering. Adjust watering frequency.
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Leaf chlorosis – Yellowing from overwatering. Allow soil to partially dry out.
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Leaf drop – From transplant shock or ends of branches dying back. Prune damaged branches.
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Dieback – From extreme cold damage. Protect in winter.
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Poor growth – Can indicate root bound or nutrient deficiency. Repot or fertilize.
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Bare branches – Due to inadequate water and stress. Improve watering and reduce stresses.
Careful selection of dwarfing cultivars suited to container life is key. But attentive care and overwintering will ensure your potted maple trees thrive.
Enjoying Maples in Pots
Maple trees are classics of the landscape, but they can also add beauty and autumn color to patios and entryways in pots with the right selections and care. Some key benefits of growing maples in containers include:
- Adds striking foliage and fall color to small spaces
- Allows growing ornamental varieties not hardy for your zone
- Makes moving trees indoors for winter protection simple
- Avoid invasive root systems of maples planted in ground
- Let’s you easily control size and shape through pruning
- Allows growing trees on balconies, patios, and near walkways
With hundreds of stunning maple cultivars that naturally grow to accessible sizes under 10 feet, it’s easy to find one perfect for your space. Just provide ample pot size, rich soil, attentive watering and fertilizing, and winter protection, and your potted maple will thrive for years of seasonal beauty.
Before you start digging:
At least 5 days before you plan to start digging, call Ontario One at 1-800-400-2255, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. By making this call, you’ll stay safe and avoid damage to buried lines and utilities. Native Maples are classified as Tall Trees. Hydro One requires that trees be at least 8 meters away from the centerline of any overhead powerlines. This is called a “tall tree setback.” Maple Leaves Forever recommends a minimum of 10 metres. Click here for information on tree setback.
- When you plant more than a few trees, get help from someone else. The work will go much faster.
- Use a tape measure and your planting plan to find and mark the spot where each tree will go.
- You should call the nursery at least a week before you want to pick up the trees or have them delivered. Give the nursery time to prepare your order.
- Do not accept trees that are excessively root-bound. At the nursery, ask to see the roots of a few different trees. Don’t put trees in pots that have a lot of roots that go all the way around the inside.
- When the trees get there, put them somewhere shady and out of the wind. Make sure the root balls stay wet until it’s time to plant. Do not touch the tree’s trunk; always hold it by the pot or root ball.
How To Grow Japanese Maples in Pots – Complete Care Guide
FAQ
Do maple trees do well in pots?
How do you winter a potted maple tree?
What pots are best for maple tree?
How large should a container be for a Japanese maple?
How do you grow Japanese maples in pots?
Here’s how the experts grow Japanese Maples in pots. Container Japanese Maples should be kept in dappled shade and watered whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Use coarse potting mix and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Your Japanese Maple’s pot should be a few inches wider than the root mass.
Can a maple tree grow in a pot?
Root rot is one of the most common issues when growing a maple tree in a pot. Root rot occurs when the roots of a plant are exposed to excessive moisture or inadequate drainage, which can be caused by over-watering, poor soil aeration, or lack of adequate drainage materials like sand or gravel at the bottom of the pot.
Do maple trees need potting soil?
Not Protecting The Roots: Maple trees thrive in well-draining soil, so make sure to use potting soil high in organic matter and good drainage. To protect the roots from excessive moisture, line the bottom of your pot with stones or gravel before adding soil.
What is the best pot for Japanese maples?
The best pot for Japanese maples should provide adequate space for the tree’s shallow root system, have good drainage, and be sturdy enough to support the tree. These are the top things we look for when selecting a pot for Japanese maples: Size: Opt for a pot that is at least 2-3 times larger than the tree’s root ball.