Japanese Maple Wind Issues

Hello friends! Japanese maple is a fairly strong tree, but it can sometimes have problems during strong winds.

QUICK ANSWER: In general, Japanese maple can cope with wind. At the same time, some varieties need wind protection, especially at a young age.

Strong wind

Strong winds can easily damage a newly planted Japanese maple. This is because the roots have not yet penetrated the soil sufficiently and the tree does not yet have a strong enough grip on the ground.

Mature trees can also be damaged in stormy weather. Strong winds can easily break one or more branches.

The first thing you can do is to set up a support near the newly planted maple and attach it to it. The support should remain for 1-2 years.

Avoid planting Japanese maple in an open location. It is better to have a building or other trees on at least one side of the tree.

Hot wind

Hot summer winds combined with a lack of rain can cause significant damage to the leaves of Japanese maple. As a result, the leaves turn brown along the edge or completely.

The first thing you can do is water the maple well. This way the tree can restore its water balance.

Provide shade for at least half of the day. As a result, the sun will not affect the leaves too much.

Mulch the root zone with organic matter. This will avoid drought around the roots and damage from hot winds will be minimal.

Frost wind

In general, Japanese maple is a fairly hardy tree. However, sometimes frosty winds can severely damage one- or two-year-old branches, causing them to dry out.

To prevent this from happening, create protection over the tree in the fall. Use a plant protection fabric for this purpose. Of course, this only applies to dwarf Japanese maples, as a 10-foot tall maple cannot be covered for the winter.

What is the best wind-tolerant Japanese Maple tree?

Among the Japanese maples, the most wind-tolerant are the dwarf, low-growing varieties. The lower the maple, the harder it is for the wind to damage it.

Here are some varieties that are most tolerant to wind: