Sunlight and japanese maples

[M. Frary]

Do they go in full sun? Shade? Partial sun? I live up in Michigan. So can I put it where? Looked it up on search here but I'm seeing a lot of different answers. Probably full sun for me but I would like to know for sure for optimal care.
Thank you.

 

[Dav4]

Do they go in full sun? Shade? Partial sun? I live up in Michigan. So can I put it where? Looked it up on search here but I'm seeing a lot of different answers. Probably full sun for me but I would like to know for sure for optimal care.
Thank you.

I think it's a misnomer when a plant or tree is characterized as being shade loving... A better Term would be to call them shade tolerant. Unless your tree is highly refined and going to be shown I wouldn't be too concerned about excess sun exposure at this point. 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day would probably be ideal.

 

[RKatzin]

Hi MIke, Oh boy! I wish there was just a yes or no answer, but it's as varied as there are types of maples, soil substrates, climatic conditions and your watering habits/capability.

Most Japanese Maples have in indication as to their preference, shade or sun or partial. Add in your locals, like high humidity or arid, prevailing winds and of course latitude.

Be prepared to move if needed. I have a persistent westerly breeze that at times gets gusty and once in awhile kicks up pretty good, and if it's hot I better get the maples behind the house.

As a general rule I give them as much sun as they can tolerate. This changes all the time so you just have to watch them and get to know them. As conditions change their needs will too. Right now everything is out there in the sun, even six inch pots. As the season progresses all the smaller units will need to be brought out of the full day sun, the bigger can stay out longer. They will need to be moved to just morning sun once we're into summer.

It's real can of worms and you just have to sort it out according to each tree/all the above. Rick

 

[M. Frary]

Excellent replies and will help out a lot. I figured that I would have to experiment and keep an eye on the tree. I was also wondering about light so I could get the most red into the leaves so it looks its best.
I've never had one of these before and am really excited to own one. The more I look at this tree the more I'm falling in love with it. Even though it's 6' tall right now this tree is fast becoming my favorite tree. I never really studied a Japanese Maple up close before. They don't live long here in landscapes so I only see them in pictures or in cities to the south of me. Oh yeah in nurseries also.

Thank you.