I think I found my answer and it is ASAP given that the buds have not opened or swelled. Great forum here!

Here is a link that might be useful: When is a good time to transplant a Japanese

The tree seems to have taken to it's new home and the buds are swelling and starting to open. Only problem is we're due for 2 nights of below freezing temps. It appears all my Japanese Maples decided to bloom earlier than last year. What's the best way to cover them up to protect their tender leaves? My Fireglow on the front lawn is my largest tree and survived last year's hard freeze with black plastic and stakes underneath to give the bag something to stick onto.

Last year I did this:

I might do the same since it worked. Pain in the butt to do this, but That's the 2nd tree out front and I don't want to lose another one. I have 5 Japanese Maples now, so that's 5X the effort this year. :(

Don't put plastic over the plants, it will cause more problems. If the leaves are not out on the plants and the buds are just starting to open I wouldn't cover them unless its doing to be a very hard freeze. 28-29 degrees won't hurt them at this stage.

David

David, you're late by a few days. The freezing overnight temps (and snow) rolled through earlier in the week. The photo in my previous post is from a year ago. What I forgot to mention is that there is a comforter wrapped around the tree first and the plastic over it to protect it from the rain and getting soaked (removed the net day). I did the same thing earlier this week and all 5 Japanese Maples are looking great and seemed to get the leafing process accelerated by the 2-day coverings.