Japanese maples will stay healthy in the hot weather by adding 1 natural item intothe soil

Japanese maples need to be watered three times a week to stay healthy, but now in May is also the perfect time to prepare the soil so you are not constantly hovering around them with a watering can

21:14, 03 May 2025Updated 21:14, 03 May 2025

Dried out Japanese Maple can be combated with one small change to the soil(Image: (Image: Getty))

With summer’s sizzle on the horizon, Japanese maples with their delicate leaves and shallow roots are thirsting for attention. These trees need a thrifty drink of water three times a week to stave off stress and wilting in high heat.

Now, in May’s timely embrace, it’s prime time to prep that soil so you’re not tied down to the daily drudgery of watering.

For these finicky favorites, Wayside Gardens’ green-thumbed gurus offer a simple hack to keep ’em hydrated: lay down a generous mulch blanket.

The specialist advised: “Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, extending out to the drip line.

“Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool. Aim for a mulch layer about two to four inches thick, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk to prevent moisture-related diseases.”, reports the Express.

READ MORE: Squirrels ‘will run away and not come back’ if you spread one item in your gardenREAD MORE: Hydrangeas will grow ‘bigger and better’ when planted near 3 common flowers they ‘love’A simple way to keep Japanese maples hydrated is to mulch them(Image: (Image: Getty))

Essentially, mulching is like giving your garden bed a cozy quilt, except this one’s stitched from organic stuff like bark or compost, breaking down gradually to bless the earth with moisture and nutrients.

This genius ground-cover acts as both a protective barrier against quick evaporation and a sponge, keeping the land lush and ready to soak up water, ensuring those Japanese maples won’t get all high and dry.

Mulching is a gardener’s best friend, especially when it comes to caring for Japanese maples. Not only does it keep the tree well-hydrated, but it also enriches the soil and suppresses those pesky weeds, ensuring your maple thrives with vibrant leaves.

For optimal hydration, wood chips and pine needles are top-notch mulches for Japanese maples, but shredded pine bark is also a solid choice as it breaks down over time, boosting soil nutrition.

Mulching a Japanese maple will keep it watered and healthy throughout summer(Image: (Image: Getty))

Steer clear of stone mulches like pebbles—they’re no good at retaining water—and give fresh bark a miss too, since it can snatch away nitrogen from the soil, which is crucial for leaf growth.

When you’re mulching, remember to leave a few inches around the trunk bare to prevent waterlogging and fungal woes.

With proper mulching, your Japanese maple should remain in tip-top shape all summer long, but stay vigilant for any distress signals.

The expert advised, “If leaves become dry, crispy, and brown, it’s a sign your tree may be dehydrated. Conversely, yellowing leaves or a soggy base might indicate overwatering.”

Should your Japanese maple still struggle to stay quenched during the blistering summer, think about moving it to a cooler, shaded area or planting some taller greenery nearby for lasting sun protection.