Japanese Maple 'Atropurpureum' in zone 5: more SUN or less??

13 years ago

Hi folks,

I am "rescuing" a JM that was planted under a huge maple in someone's yard, it's tall and spindly and needs some TLC.

I am trying to choose which location in my yard to plant it. Online research indicates part sun to full sun... but what's really ideal?

One spot gets maybe 4-5 hours direct sun (in summer, less in winter) and the rest of the day gets filtered/dappled shade from tall evergreens.

The other spot, to the west of the garage, is fully shaded until about 11 AM, then full sun the rest of the day. So, in summer 7 hours full sun... less in winter (4-5??)

Both get more sun in summer than in winter, due to the low sun being blocked more by tall evergreens at the perimeter of the property. Neither is terribly exposed, wind-wise, although the less-sun area is more protected.

Which of these two spots do you think is better for this tree? I'd really like to give it the best conditions possible so it will settle in happily and start filling out -I hope!- sooner.

I would much rather plant it in the more-sun loaction west of the garage, if it'll be happy enough there.

Thanks!

Stacey

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Comments (2)

mindymoses
13 years ago
I have a Japanese Maple in my front yard (I'm also zone 5). I think that they prefer morning sun and afternoon shade (afternoon sun is too hot). I planted my maple during early summer and in the evening so I miscalculated where it was going to get more of the afternoon shade so it gets more of the HOT sun which is not what I intended. It has been where it is now for 2 years so I figured that so far so good, right? They like lots of water so I give it about an inch to 2 inches deep of water once a week and also the sprinklers hit it in the wee hours of the morning. I hope this helps. Good luck.
noki
13 years ago
General opinion is usually morning sun is better, then afternoon shade.

But in Maine, you should be fine with your preferred spot with the western afternoon sun. The tree will grow fine but the leaves may burn up some by late summer reducing some of the autumn color. Long run, the tree will probably be fine.
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