The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) includes an incredibly diverse and beautiful variety of hybrids.  They may vary considerably in leaf shape from the 'typical' Maple leaf, to deeply cut 'Lace leaf' varieties. The foliage colors range from light green to a deep burgundy. The growth habit may be anywhere from a low growing, dwarf weeping variety to a 20 foot tall shade tree. The Japanese maple grows best in a moist, well draining, fertile soil. When they are grown in areas with hot dry sun, they should be grown in partial shade (afternoon shade) to protect them from scorching. In northern areas, where summer temperatures are more moderate, they will do quite well in full sun. Plant Japanese maples in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. It may be necessary to provide support stakes to prop up young slender branches until they have developed and strengthened, because the weight of the new foliage may tend to cause the branch to droop to the ground. These trees have tendency to leaf out very early, which unfortunately makes them susceptible to spring frosts. A late frost may result in a loss of the new foliage, but the tree generally survives without any damage.

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