Japanese Maples The Epitome of Style and Grace    Japanese maples are one of the most popular, small ornamental trees in our area. Who would’ve thought that a tree without showy flowers would grab our attention so strongly?      But Japanese maples are special. Whether it’s a small, weeping variety or a larger, upright type, they bring much character to the garden. With their intricate, colorful leaves and sculpted shape, Japanese maples are a great choice to draw attention to entrances, soften corners or create a focal point. Complete Story >> Don't Like Your Lawn? Here's How to Fix It!    Fall is the best time of year to get your lawn in shape.    So if your lawn is harboring some annoying weeds or those stubborn rough patches have deteriorated into full-blown eyesores, now is the time to do something about it.      In just one growing season, you can do wonders. Complete Story >>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Japanese Maples

The Epitome of Style and Grace

   Japanese maples are one of the most popular, small ornamental trees in our area. Who would’ve thought that a tree without showy flowers would grab our attention so strongly?

   But Japanese maples are special. Whether it’s a small, weeping variety or a larger, upright type, they bring much character to the garden. With their intricate, colorful leaves and sculpted shape, Japanese maples are a great choice to draw attention to entrances, soften corners or create a focal point.

   Even in the winter, they hold our interest. The bare branches of these beautiful trees form an interesting framework that continues to intrigue long after the foliage has disappeared. Some varieties, such as the ‘Coral Bark’, wow us with their fiery, red-orange stems. The color is so dynamic that some of our customers wonder if we spray the trees. In case you were wondering – ABSOLUTELY NOT!

   Japanese maples have been extensively hybridized, with hundreds of cultivars. They can be broadly categorized as either upright or weeping – and red or green leaf. Japanese maples will mature anywhere from 10’ to 30’ tall, with an equal spread. The weeping forms will become 3’ to 15’ tall, with an even greater spread. Leaf colors can range from yellow to green, or shades of red, burgundy and purple - or variegated in spring and summer. Fall colors are brilliant yellow, orange or red. The various combinations of texture, color and form in this group of plants is one of the largest of any ornamental tree.

   Don’t let the elegance and delicate beauty of these trees fool you. Japanese maples are anything but delicate and are quite easy to take care of. They’ll grow in sun or shade, but do best in full morning sun with a bit of protection from the intense afternoon heat. A moist, well-drained soil is important for healthy, vigorous growth. Japanese maples don’t tolerate extreme heat or dry conditions very well. If planted in these conditions, the leaves may become scorched.

   When planted in a favorable environment and given minimal care, you’ll find Japanese maples have very few insect or disease problems. Maintenance consists of watering during dry periods, fertilizing once or twice a year with Merrifield Tree and Shrub Food and pruning any dead, crossing or rubbing branches during the winter when the tree is dormant.

   Here are just a few of the many varieties available at Merrifield Garden Center:

Upright

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ – Arguably the most popular of all Japanese maples, ‘Bloodgood’ has been propagated to a wide extent. So you’ll find some variation between trees with the ‘Bloodgood’ name. An authentic ‘Bloodgood’ retains its dark red color through most of the summer and tolerates heat better than many other varieties. One of the faster growing Japanese maples, ‘Bloodgood’ matures to about 20’ to 25’ tall and nearly as wide.

A. palmatum ‘Emperor 1’ – Very similar to 'Bloodgood’ in growth and appearance, Emperor 1 (sometimes called Red Emperor) leafs out a bit later in the spring and tolerates temperature extremes a bit better. 'Emperor 1’ retains good leaf color through the summer months and turns a fiery red in the fall.

A. palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ – ‘Sango Kaku’ is prized for its coral-red bark. The young twigs have a bright color, which gradually changes to light brown in two to three years. The leaves are a pale green in the summer and a brilliant, golden-yellow in the fall. ‘Sango Kaku’ matures to a height of about 15’ to 18’. This is a great choice for year-round interest.

Weeping

A. palmatum dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’ – ‘Crimson Queen’ is a weeping tree that forms a graceful dome. Its branches can even descend lower than the root crown if it’s planted in an elevated bed or near a ledge. With good color retention and heat tolerance, this tree is a slow, but steady grower, maturing to about 6’ tall with a 10’ spread. The crimson leaves turn to a brilliant red in the fall.

A. palmatum dissectum ‘Red Dragon’ – Introduced from New Zealand, 'Red Dragon’ rivals 'Crimson Queen’ for color retention and durability. 'Red Dragon’ is a fast grower that will mature into a 12’ – 20’ tall mound with a cascading form.

A. palmatum dissectum ‘Waterfall’ – The light green leaves of ‘Waterfall’ are somewhat larger than other cultivars and add to the graceful, weeping form of this Japanese maple. It is also quite heat tolerant and will turn a bright gold color with hints of red in the fall. ‘Waterfall’ matures to about 6’ to 12’ tall and at least as wide.

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Don't Like Your Lawn? Here's How to Fix It

   Fall is the best time of year to spruce up your lawn.

   So if your lawn is harboring some annoying weeds or those stubborn rough patches have deteriorated into full-blown eyesores, now is the time to do something about it.

   In just one growing season, you can do wonders. A beautiful, lush, dark green lawn doesn’t have to be something that you admire from afar. It can be yours with just a little planning and effort.

   Not only does a healthy lawn look great – it’s easier to maintain. Roots will grow deeper, leading to improved drought tolerance. Density will increase and your lawn will begin to out-compete weeds. Nutrients in the organic content of the soil will keep your lawn green with less fertilizer. Your lawn will become more resistant to insect and disease problems.

Here are six steps to achieve lawn bliss:

1.) Prepare soil – Soil is one of the most important ingredients in every healthy, vibrant garden. If you have bare spots in your lawn, cultivate and mix compost into the soil where the grass has died. Core aerate or de-thatch your lawn to alleviate compacted soil and remove excess thatch.

2.) Apply fertilizer – Feed your lawn with Merrifield Select, one of Merrifield’s custom lawn food blends, to make sure it’s getting enough nutrients. Merrifield Select contains high phosphorous levels to promote strong root development.

3.) Overseed your lawn – We recommend one of Merrifield’s custom grass seed blends: Merrifield Tuff Play, Merrifield Sunny or Merrifield Shady. Our grass seed mixtures are formulated specifically for the conditions we face here in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

4.) Add topdressing – Use 1-cubic yard of Orgro, a 100% organic soil conditioner, per 1,000-square feet of lawn. As the Orgro decomposes, it releases nutrients into the soil, improves soil structure and encourages earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms.

5.) Water, water, water – Water 10 to 15 minutes a day until the seed begins to germinate, which usually takes one to two weeks. Then regularly check the soil for moisture.

6.) Apply more fertilizer – Four to six weeks following the application of Merrifield Select, apply Merrifield Premium Lawn Food.

We encourage you to speak with one of our turf experts about building the beautiful lawn that you’ve always wanted.




 

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