Maple trees are one of the best shade trees. They are fast-growing trees and they have a mesmerizing color in the fall. They produce maple syrup and are low-maintenance plants. Maples are disease-resistant and grow almost anywhere in the country. If you want to benefit from your maple tree then make sure it grows well. Here are some care tips for a healthy and thriving maple tree.

Soil Condition

For a maple tree to grow properly, soil is the first factor that should be considered. Maple Trees prefer acidic soils almost 5-7 on the pH scale. If you are not sure that the soil is suitable for planting your maple tree then it’s advisable to test the spot before planting. A soil testing kit might come in handy, or buy a pH testing probe. According to the test results, you can add limestone to boost alkalinity or soil sulfur to raise acidity. Organic mulch can be used to maintain the soil’s acid level.

Watering

Watering your maple tree is a critical task until the tree grows to maturity. Maples prefer well-drained and moist soils.  Every maple variety has different water requirements so it is important to research their watering requirements before planting. When you plant the tree, soak it with water until it reaches the root ball deeply. Don’t water the plant daily. A maple tree is established after two growing seasons, afterwards, they don’t require much attention and water. Read ‘Best Watering Tips for Happy, Healthy Plants’ for more details.

Fertilizing

A growing maple tree needs fertilizer to grow a healthy root system. Established trees don’t need fertilizer as their root system is capable enough to get nutrients from the soil. Rarely spring is the ideal time for fertilizing your maples. They prefer organic slow-releasing fertilizers. 

Pruning

The ideal time to prune your maples is summer. Pruning during winter or spring leads to the bleeding of sap, which can affect younger trees negatively. Prune all the dead, crowded, crossed and broken branches. Pruning your maple trees keeps them healthy and promotes proper growth. Don’t risk cutting the main branches of the tree as it’ll ruin the proper shape and structure of your maple. Want to know more about shade loving plants? Read ‘Top 10 Fast-Growing Shade Trees for Your Yard’

Diseases

They have some diseases due to the high value of maple trees for their brilliant fall foliage. Among the most common ones is the tar spot caused by the fungus Rhytisma, characterized by black spots on the leaves. The next one is verticillium wilt, a soil-born fungal disease that causes yellowing of leaves and branch dieback. The other is anthracnose, characterized by irregular blotches in the leaf and a kind of premature defoliation. Other diseases include cankers sunken areas of dead bark caused by several species of fungi and bacteria and powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves. Indoor care and maintenance are the fundamental steps in preventing or providing care for these diseases through regular pruning, proper watering, and soil quality management. ‘Homemade Plant Sprays ’ can come in handy to remove some diseases. 

Conclusion

That is not all; the maintenance of the health of this tree also sets a luscious vibrancy to its foliage that is artistically captivating. One should never underscore the importance of expert pruning insights and knowing when one needs to call for professional help. Maples can, to some degree, be quite temperamental, and there is one subtle trick that one ought to understand in knowing their needs for health and longevity.