Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some commonly asked questions and answers. If you have any further enquiries not covered here please don't hesitate to call Maples X Mail on (03) 5962 9248, or contact us by email here.
1) How tall and fast will my maple grow?
Given reasonable conditions Japanese maples vary from slow (dwarf) to moderate growers. The heights vary from ½m - 6m.
2) Can Japanese maples be grown in pots?
Yes. Many of the smaller growing varieties (including the weeping ones) are ideal for growing in pots.
3) How often and how much water should I give my maple?
Water well when soil appears dry or just damp. More regular watering may be needed during the summer months and in the first few years after planting. Maples planted in pots may need more regular watering.
4) How "hardy" are Japanese maples and what position do they like?
Japanese Maples are hardier that they look, or some people think. While they do prefer some protection from the hottest sun and wind, as long as they dont dry out they should be fine. Cold, frost and snow in Australia are not a concern.
5) Should I stake my Japanese maple?
It is a good idea to stake them for a year or two the help then get established.
6) How close should I plant my maples to other plants in the garden?
This depends on the varieties you choose, the size of your garden and your personal preference. Bigger maples need reletively more space, however some people prefer them grown quite close together - ie. growing into each other.
7) Are there any diseases that affect Japanese maples?
Generally, Japanese maples are free from pests and deseases. Occassionally you may need to spray for thrip or aphids in spring. Hint: Spraying the foliage with regular fly spray will kill any bugs eating the leaves.
8) What do I do if suckers appear on the maple understock; under the graft?
In the first couple of years suckers could appear below the graft. Simply rub them off or remove with secateurs.
9) What type of soil do Japanese maples need and is drainage important?
Japanese Maples will grow in most soil types, as long as the drainage is reasonably good. If you have sandy soil, dig in plenty of compost material.
10) Should I use mulch around my maple?
Mulch is a good idea as it conserves soil moisture and reduces weeds. Dig into existing soil but don't hill up around the base of trees.
11) Should I fertilise my maples and what should I use?
Fertilise with a slow release (ie. on top of soil) fertiliser such as osmocote in late winter. Fertilise again in late January with a quicker action fertiliser, such as dynamic lifter, to help push along late summer growth.
12) How are the maples packaged and sent by post?
All the soil is removed from the roots, then they are wraped in damp paper before finally being packaged in cardboard (kept rigid) and sent via Australia Post. This technique has proven to be reliable and produce excellent results.
13) Why are maples only available from mid May to mid August?
This is because maples can only be packaged during winter when they are leafless and dormant.
14) Can I order maples at any time outside June-mid August?
Not through mail order. During this time however, there will be a facility that permits you to enter your contact details so that you may be contacted when the coming winter mailtout begins. Alternatively, you can simply visit Springwater Gardens Nursery at any time during the year at: 1870 Main Rd., Toolangi, Vic. (Melway Ref. - Map 510 R12).
15) How big are the maples when sent to me?
The plants are limited to 1m in height by Australia Post. The upright varieties are around 1/2 to 2/3 meters in height when sent and the weepers around 1m in height. The heads of the weepers are approximately 6" in diameter. All maples sent are 2nd year grafts and well "taken". The size they are sent also depends on the variety in question.
16) Why are Japanese Maples grafted and how is it done?
This is done to ensure the varieties stay true to type. They are grafted onto Japanese palmatum seedlings, which serve as excellent understock. Refer to the Grafting Explained section to learn more.
17) How do you receive payment?
Maples X Mail accepts VISA, Mastercard, cheques or money orders. Plants take around 1-2 weeks to get back to you.
18) Can maples be sent overseas?
No. Due to quarantine regulations, plants can not be sent overseas. Maples have been quarantine approved for distribution to all Australian states and territories
Japanese Maple Care
1) How tall and fast will my maple grow?
Given reasonable conditions Japanese maples vary from slow (dwarf) to moderate growers. The heights vary from ½m - 6m.
2) Can Japanese maples be grown in pots?
Yes. Many of the smaller growing varieties (including the weeping ones) are ideal for growing in pots.
3) How often and how much water should I give my maple?
Water well when soil appears dry or just damp. More regular watering may be needed during the summer months and in the first few years after planting. Maples planted in pots may need more regular watering.
4) How "hardy" are Japanese maples and what position do they like?
Japanese Maples are hardier that they look, or some people think. While they do prefer some protection from the hottest sun and wind, as long as they dont dry out they should be fine. Cold, frost and snow in Australia are not a concern.
5) Should I stake my Japanese maple?
It is a good idea to stake them for a year or two the help then get established.
6) How close should I plant my maples to other plants in the garden?
This depends on the varieties you choose, the size of your garden and your personal preference. Bigger maples need reletively more space, however some people prefer them grown quite close together - ie. growing into each other.
7) Are there any diseases that affect Japanese maples?
Generally, Japanese maples are free from pests and deseases. Occassionally you may need to spray for thrip or aphids in spring. Hint: Spraying the foliage with regular fly spray will kill any bugs eating the leaves.
8) What do I do if suckers appear on the maple understock; under the graft?
In the first couple of years suckers could appear below the graft. Simply rub them off or remove with secateurs.
9) What type of soil do Japanese maples need and is drainage important?
Japanese Maples will grow in most soil types, as long as the drainage is reasonably good. If you have sandy soil, dig in plenty of compost material.
10) Should I use mulch around my maple?
Mulch is a good idea as it conserves soil moisture and reduces weeds. Dig into existing soil but don't hill up around the base of trees.
11) Should I fertilise my maples and what should I use?
Fertilise with a slow release (ie. on top of soil) fertiliser such as osmocote in late winter. Fertilise again in late January with a quicker action fertiliser, such as dynamic lifter, to help push along late summer growth.
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Ordering from Maples X Mail
12) How are the maples packaged and sent by post?
All the soil is removed from the roots, then they are wraped in damp paper before finally being packaged in cardboard (kept rigid) and sent via Australia Post. This technique has proven to be reliable and produce excellent results.
13) Why are maples only available from mid May to mid August?
This is because maples can only be packaged during winter when they are leafless and dormant.
14) Can I order maples at any time outside June-mid August?
Not through mail order. During this time however, there will be a facility that permits you to enter your contact details so that you may be contacted when the coming winter mailtout begins. Alternatively, you can simply visit Springwater Gardens Nursery at any time during the year at: 1870 Main Rd., Toolangi, Vic. (Melway Ref. - Map 510 R12).
15) How big are the maples when sent to me?
The plants are limited to 1m in height by Australia Post. The upright varieties are around 1/2 to 2/3 meters in height when sent and the weepers around 1m in height. The heads of the weepers are approximately 6" in diameter. All maples sent are 2nd year grafts and well "taken". The size they are sent also depends on the variety in question.
16) Why are Japanese Maples grafted and how is it done?
This is done to ensure the varieties stay true to type. They are grafted onto Japanese palmatum seedlings, which serve as excellent understock. Refer to the Grafting Explained section to learn more.
17) How do you receive payment?
Maples X Mail accepts VISA, Mastercard, cheques or money orders. Plants take around 1-2 weeks to get back to you.
18) Can maples be sent overseas?
No. Due to quarantine regulations, plants can not be sent overseas. Maples have been quarantine approved for distribution to all Australian states and territories