Japanese Weeping Maple

Today the Japanese Weeping Maple is going to take the spotlight.  It is a very popular tree and merits attention.  The Japanese Weeping Maple is a relatively small tree that grows more wide than high.  It typically grows to a maximum of 8 feet high and 8-10 feet wide, displaying dark Red leaves in a weeping fashion.  In the fall, the leaves will turn to a light Orange, then Brown before falling.  Most homeowners find it easily maintained at their own desired height depending on its placement within the garden.  The Japanese Weeping Maple does best in partial shade areas, this however does not remove it from the possibility of a full sun area, as it will survive with a little extra water.  Generally, when it gets too hot the tips of the leaves will burn; this is pretty common on Long Island because most landscaped lawns have a Weeping Maple in the front yard.  Fortunately most gardens will be due for a trimming when and if the leaves burn, so they will not be too noticeable for too long.  Higher salt content in the soil will also affect the tree, especially on the northern and southern parts of the island.  This is best mitigated with flushing the soil every couple of months with fresh water and maintaining a proper water schedule of about 30 minutes every other day in the peak of the summer and 20 minutes every other day during the spring and fall.  I like to put Japanese Weeping Maples in the center of the garden and in areas where a low growing but robust specimen is needed.  Generally, if I am designing a front yard landscape next to the house, I will place them under the front window because they will not obscure the view.