Fall is here and we need to start thinking about preparing our gardens for the cold winter weather. Kris, from Cedar Springs, asked if she needs to take any measures to protect her weeping Japanese Maple to help it survive the winter better.
Japanese Maples can be a bit tender to the Mid-Michigan winter weather and the finer leaf weeping Jap. Maples are even more tender than the upright growers. I like to see weeping Jap. Maples planted where the winter wind won’t be too strong on them so no extra protection should be necessary. If this tree is planted in an unprotected area from the wind, I would definitely give it some extra protection.
I’ve seen many ways of accomplishing the same goal but the following method works well. Place wooden stakes in the ground around the perimeter of the tree that are as tall as the tree. Wrap a circle of burlap around the tree and across the top. Staple the burlap to the wooden stakes to secure it. Jap. Maple branches are rather brittle so be careful not to break the branches when wrapping. It does not need to be wrapped tight. The purpose is to keep the wind off the tree.
Warning! This will look like a big ugly blob so if you have to do this in your entry garden, you might want to consider a hardier plant for this location.
