Most varieties of Japanese Maple are actually pretty tough when it comes to the cold. However, there are a few situations where frost can get the better of them. Here’s the lowdown on how much cold these beauties can handle and when you need to step in to keep them safe.
Is Japanese Maple Winter Hardy?
For the most part, Japanese Maples are winter hardy. They can handle frost just fine and usually don’t need much help. Since winters in Japan can get quite chilly, most varieties are naturally built for it. That said, Acer Japonicum needs a little time to build up its resilience. If you have a young tree or one you just planted, you’ll want to give it some extra protection during its first few winters. The same goes for maples living in containers—they need a bit more TLC when the mercury drops.
Can Late Frost Damage Japanese Maples?
Late spring frosts can be tricky. If you get a freezing night followed by a day of intense, direct sun, the bark can actually crack—we call these frost cracks. These cracks usually show up on the sunny side of the trunk. Since Japanese Maples prefer a spot with partial shade anyway, seeing these cracks might be a sign that your tree is getting too much sun and might need a new home. Another pro tip? You can try whitewashing the trunk to help prevent these cracks from forming.
How Do I Protect Potted Japanese Maples from Frost?
If your Japanese Maple is in a pot, move it to a sheltered spot and wrap the container in horticultural fleece. This keeps the soil from freezing solid, which can really stress the tree out. Here are a few quick tips for container plants:
- Place the pot in a bright, wind-protected spot near a house wall.
- Elevate the pot on wood or styrofoam to keep it off the freezing ground.
- Cover the soil with brushwood and wrap the pot in fleece or burlap.
And don’t forget—if you have a bonsai, protecting it from frost is absolutely essential!
How Do I Protect Young Japanese Maples?
To keep frost damage at bay for younger trees, cover the ground around the base with a thick layer of mulch or brushwood. If the forecast calls for a particularly brutal night, you can toss a burlap sack or some garden fleece over the tree for extra insulation. Usually, a layer of straw or brushwood is enough to protect them from overnight frost. During the winter, the tree sends most of its energy down into the roots, so that’s the main area you want to keep from freezing through.
Quick Tip: Don’t Forget to Water!
It might sound strange, but Japanese Maples still need water in the winter. Just make sure you only water them on days when it’s above freezing. If you water during a freeze, the moisture can turn to ice around the roots and cause damage. Once spring rolls around, give your maple some fertilizer to help kickstart that beautiful new growth!