Field maples (also known as Hedge Maples) are absolute rockstars in the garden, whether you’re letting one grow into a majestic standalone tree or lining them up for a tight, tidy hedge. To get that lush, vibrant foliage we all love, you just need to nail the basics of planting and care. Here’s the lowdown on how to get yours off to a great start.
The Best Time and Place to Plant
If you’re buying container-grown plants from the nursery, you’ve got a lot of flexibility—you can pretty much plant those year-round. However, if you’re looking to save some cash, “bare-root” plants are the way to go. Just keep in mind that timing is everything with these. Your best bet is to get them in the ground during the fall. Just make sure you give them enough lead time to settle in before the first hard frost hits.
Field maples are pretty adaptable, but if you want to see vigorous growth, there are a few things to avoid. They aren’t big fans of “wet feet” (soggy soil) or overly acidic dirt. For a happy tree, pick a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil that stays consistently moist but not swampy.
How to Get It in the Ground
Before you start digging, give your maple a little spa treatment. Place the roots in a bucket of water to make sure they’re fully hydrated. If your tree comes “balled and burlapped” (with a cloth around the root ball), don’t stress about removing it. That fabric will naturally decompose in the soil without leaving any junk behind, so you can leave it right where it is.
Step-by-Step Planting:
- Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball.
- Mix your soil with some compost and horn meal (or a similar organic fertilizer) to give it a nutrient boost.
- Center the tree in the hole.
- Fill it back up with soil and gently tamp it down with your foot to remove air pockets.
Once it’s in, give it a deep soak. You’ll want to keep a close eye on the watering for the first few weeks; young trees need a lot more hydration while they’re establishing their roots than they will later on. You can give the branches a light trim if you like, but honestly, once a field maple is planted and watered, it’s a pretty low-maintenance addition to your landscape!
