Red Select Japanese Maple Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on October 26, 2022

Planting instructions

You can plant a Red Select Japanese Maple Tree in either full sunlight or in partial shade. Unlike the leaves of other Japanese maples, the foliage of a Red Select Japanese Maple Tree does not tend to lose vibrance based on sun exposure. The soil in your growing location should be nutrient-rich, well-draining and slightly acidic. Once you find those conditions, plant this tree in a hole that is as deep as the root ball is tall and at least twice as wide as the root ball. After backfilling, add a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture.

Watering and nutrients

After planting a Red Select Japanese Maple Tree, you should water it at least twice weekly, if not more, during the first few months. After a few months, you can water this plant about once per week during the growing season throughout the rest of its life. At times, you may need to increase your watering rate if the weather is exceptionally hot or dry. The fertilization needs for this plant are relatively low. Generally, you can feed this tree once per year in late winter, or less, using a balanced fertilizer or one that’s low in nitrogen.

Pollination

As is true of all Japanese maple trees, the Red Select Japanese Maple Tree is a self-fertile tree, which means you need only one to conduct pollination. The flowers of this tree are small and relatively unremarkable. They bloom in spring and invite insects to carry pollen from the male flower structures to the female ones. While you may not think pollination is essential for this non-edible plant, the fruits this tree does produce are quite attractive, meaning that successful pollination has a significant impact on this plant’s late-season ornamental appeal.

Pruning

Pruning for a Red Select Japanese Maple Tree is not always necessary, and if you do choose to prune, you should wait until your tree is at least three years old before making any cuts. Fortunately, the Red Select Japanese Maple Tree grows with a pleasing shape all on its own, meaning there will be minimal need for shaping. As such, your main pruning goals should be to remove dead, damaged and diseased limbs in the late winter or early spring.

Pests, diseases and animals

The Red Select Japanese Maple Tree faces the same pest and disease threats that most Japanese maples face. Pests, scale insects, aphids, borers and mites can cause infestations. For diseases, wilt, leaf spots and canker are some of the most common. Additionally, complications such as root rot can arise if you overwater this plant or grow it where there is poor soil drainage. Occasionally, some foliage issues can arise in a Red Select Japanese Maple Tree. One of the most common of these leaf issues is chlorosis, which occurs when the soil pH is too high.

Achieving maximum results

In most cases, the leaves of your Red Select Japanese Maple Tree will have an impressive look regardless of whether they receive full sunlight or partial shade. However, the exception to this is when a Red Select Japanese Maple Tree grows in the hotter part of its range in full sunlight. In that setting, it is possible for the tips of this tree’s leaves to turn brown during hot summer weather. Otherwise, the Red Select Japanese Maple Tree is a plant that is easy to keep healthy and incorporate into many planting schemes.

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