A note on caring for your Japanese Maples:

• Japanese maples make wonderful additions to all but the most exposed gardens. They can be planted within a mixed shrub border, in a woodland or conifer garden or as a special feature in a container.

• As a rule, most varieties do not like exposure to strong sun or wind.

• Acers are most comfortable in a rich, well-drained soil which is not likely to dry out in hot weather. Prepare the planting site well by adding composted bark and some ericaceous compost mixed and added to the planting hole.

• Strong fertilisers are not recommended -they can damage or in some cases kill plants. A light application of bone meal in spring (March to April), followed by regular feeding every three to four weeks from leaf extension to late August with liquid Maxicrop.

• Pruning should be carried out between December and February whilst dormant. Light pruning to trim back the apical shoots in late summer (August) is also recommended.

• The main pest to watch out for is black fly which normally appears on young, tender shoots in spring. This should be treated immediately with a systemic insecticide and followed by a second application 10 to 14 days later to catch any hatching eggs.

• Red spider mite can be a problem in certain years (symptoms are discolouration of the leaves or spotting. Treat as above checking the insecticide is suitable.

• Downy mildew can affect the underside of leaves in cold, wet summers. A good systemic fungicide should be used to clear up the infection.

• Once established most acers are easily maintained. When customers enquire about acers which are looking unhappy in their gardens the cause of the problem is almost always moisture related (either being too wet or too dry).