How to Plant an Acer Tree In the Ground

More commonly known as Japanese maples, acer trees are a popular way to add height, interest and colour to an outdoor space. They boast lobed leaves in a rainbow of colours from cool green through warm orange to blazing red that are particularly impressive in autumn.

Japanese maples are easy to grow, and the little effort you need to put into their care is more than rewarded by their graceful habit, year-round interest and dramatically coloured foliage.

There are acer trees for sale at Gardeners Dream by clicking here. 

Are Acer Trees Better in Pots or the Ground?

The first thing many people want to know about Japanese maples is whether they do better in pots or planted in the ground. The answer is really down to personal preference and how much effort you’re willing to put into caring for the tree.

Acers are slow-growing deciduous trees that do well in pots and containers. Potted Japanese maples can brighten patio areas, terraces, and smaller gardens. While Japanese acers make excellent container-grown trees, you’ll find the level of maintenance they require to thrive is higher than those planted in the ground.

For example, potted plants need watering much more often than those planted in the ground because the water escapes through drainage holes rather than remaining in the soil for longer. While garden-planted acers should only need watering during spells of especially dry weather, container-grown trees need to be monitored closely and watered more often.

The root system may need additional protection from frost. Japanese maples planted in the ground have more protection against harsh winter temperatures. Potted acer trees benefit from having bubble wrap or horticultural fleece wrapped around the container with garden twine for increased insulation.

Container-grown trees will absolutely flourish. If pots suit your garden or outdoor space, and you’re willing to give your Japanese maple tree some time and effort, crack on. However, if you’d prefer to sit back and relax as your acer palmatum thrives, planting it in the ground is the way to go.

When Can I Plant My Acer In the Ground?

The best time of year to plant acer trees is from early autumn to early spring. October and March are perfect because the temperature isn’t too hot, but the soil is unlikely to be frozen. If planting in autumn, try to leave at least a month before the first winter frost is expected. Doing this will give the tree time to establish itself before winter arrives.

Bare-root Japanese maples are best planted in late autumn when the tree is fully dormant.

Where is the Best Place to Plant an Acer?

There are various things to consider when choosing the right spot for a Japanese maple tree.

Space

The first thing to think about is the space itself. Acers prefer not to be crowded and grow best in an open area where they can spread naturally without competing with other plants for water and nutrients.

Shelter

Although acer trees are generally hardy, they do prefer to be planted in a sheltered spot. Strong winds can damage the tree’s beautiful foliage and lead to the eye-catching leaves dropping before they’re ready. A well-sheltered position protects the Japanese maple tree and prolongs the tree’s fabulous autumn colour.

Sunlight

Different types of acer prefer different levels of sunlight. Generally, this can be determined by leaf colour. For example, green varieties can tolerate full sun but avoid excessively sunny positions to protect against leaf scorch. Variegated cultivars prefer light shade, while acers with red or purple leaves need some sunlight for vivid colour, but grow best in partial shade.

What kind of soil is best for Acer trees?

Japanese maple trees grow well in most soils, including loam, sand, clay and chalk. Whatever type of soil your garden has can be improved and filled with nutrients by mixing in some well-rotted organic matter. A good quality garden compost or soil conditioner fits the bill perfectly.

Acers, the redder varieties in particular, prefer humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Grow acers in moist but well-drained soil – they don’t like the root ball to get waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.

How to Plant Acers in the Ground: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot and the right time of year, it’s time to get started planting. These steps on how to plant an acer tree in the ground will ensure you can’t go wrong.

Prepare the Site

Like most things in life, you’ll see the best results if you put some effort into preparation. Remove weeds from the area, loosen the soil and mix in some well-rotted garden compost to provide plenty of nutrients.

Prepare the Tree

Most Japanese maples will get delivered in pots or containers. Remove all packaging and water the tree well before carefully removing it from the pot. Gently spread the roots and let them soak in water while you complete the next step.

Dig the Planting Hole

Acer trees prefer shallow roots, so dig a hole that is only marginally deeper than the size of the root ball. They do like to spread though, so the hole must be wide enough in diameter to afford the root system plenty of space. Water the hole thoroughly, ensuring excess water drains away, leaving the soil moist.

Plant the Acer Tree

Holding the tree at the base of the trunk, place it in the hole and ensure it’s upright, straight and exactly where you want it to be. Carefully place the soil and compost mix around the roots, treading on the soil to push it down. As you fill the hole in again, ensure the root system doesn’t get buried too deeply. As a general rule, don’t plant it any deeper than it was planted in the container it came in.

Water In

Once the Japanese maple is in the ground, water it well, taking care to cover the whole root system and not just the base of the trunk. Newly planted trees take time to establish and need watered regularly during their first year.

Check Your Work

When you’re finished, stand back and assess the tree. Check it is in the correct position, remains upright and that the soil around it is levelled.

Young trees may need a little extra support, and you may wish to use a stake to help keep your Japanese maple steady and upright. Doing this can help ensure the tree grows into an elegant shape until it is firm enough to support itself.

How Do You Care for Acers?

Acer trees planted in the ground are relatively low maintenance and don’t demand much attention to flourish.

Watering

Young Japanese maples require regular watering for the first year or so, especially during spells of dry, hot weather. Keep an eye on the soil to ensure it is kept moist but well-drained, and the roots are kept cool but not waterlogged. Once the tree is firmly established, it won’t need watered quite as often.

Mulching

Mulching has several benefits for Japanese maples. Covering the soil with bark or compost helps the soil retain moisture, which means less watering is required in summer. Mulching also helps to suppress weeds (acers don’t like to compete for nutrients, remember) and protects the roots from frost damage in winter.

Annual mulching in autumn is enough to keep an acer palmatum tree healthy, but you may wish to repeat the process in spring.

Feeding

Japanese maples planted in the ground don’t need feeding. But if you’d like to promote growth and spread, a slow-release all-purpose fertiliser can be applied in late winter to give the tree a little boost heading into spring.

Is It Easy to Prune Acers?

Acer trees have a naturally attractive shape, and are slow growing, meaning they don’t need cutting back to keep them at the desired shape and size. However, as with all plants, they do need a little routine pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and keep the tree looking its best. Pruning Japanese maple trees is relatively simple. Most acer tree branches can be cut using a sharp pair of secateurs, but you may wish to use a pruning saw for the thicker ones.

The best time to prune Japanese maple trees is when they are fully dormant in winter or early spring. At this time of year, you can get a good look at the tree’s skeleton to check for damage or branches that overlap.

With their striking leaf colour, attractive shape and slow-growing nature, it’s easy to see why Japanese maples are so popular. These slow-growing trees are perfect for any outdoor space but work particularly well in smaller gardens, where they create an eye-catching focal point bursting with autumn colour. Grow acers in the ground, and they’ll reward minimal effort with dramatic colour and year-round interest. What’s not to like about that?

Companion Planting Suggestions for Acer Trees (Japanese maples)

This table shows plants that thrive in similar conditions and complement each other in terms of soil, light, and aesthetic contrast

Companion Plant	Why It Works Well with Acers	Notes
Hostas	Prefer shade, add lush foliage contrast	Protect from slugs
Ferns	Thrive in similar moisture and shade conditions	Choose hardy varieties like Dryopteris
Heucheras	Colourful foliage complements Acer leaves	Well-drained soil is key
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)	Graceful shape and golden hues match Acer elegance	Great for soft texture contrast
Azaleas / Rhododendrons	Share acidic soil preference	Colorful foliage complements Acer leaves
Camellias	Similar soil and shade preference, add winter blooms	Avoid waterlogging
Liriope	Grass-like foliage and purple blooms enhance base planting	Tolerates shade and dry spells
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)	Early spring flowers and spotted leaves contrast nicely	Pollinator-friendly
Bluebells	Naturalistic spring groundcover	Looks great under dappled light

Acer (Japanese Maple) FAQ

1. What compost for Acer?
Use ericaceous or loam-based compost.

2. When to plant an Acer?
Best in autumn or early spring.

3. What soil do Acers like?
Acidic, well-drained, and moisture-retentive.

4. How to prune Acer in pots?
Lightly trim dead or damaged branches.

5. When to prune Acer in pots UK?
Late winter to early spring.

6. Are Acers better in pots or ground?
Both work well if conditions suit.