Fertilizing my Japanese maple tree.

Question

I have a beautiful Japanese maple tree growing in a large pot. What type of fertilizer works well? I live in the mountains of So. California, nearly seven thousand feet, with definite four seasons, snow included! My goal is to keep this tree as healthy as possible. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

A Japanese maple grown in a pot should be fertilized in the spring and early summer only, not after mid-July. You can use a balanced (equal amounts of N-P-K such as 13-13-13) liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength three or four times before mid-July. Or, you can fertilize once in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Also, these trees should be repotted every few years to freshen the soil.