Can Japanese Maple Be Used in Foundation Planting?

Considerations

• Plant a Japanese maple in a building foundation planting bed only if the tree matures to a size that is in scale with the building. Site the tree far enough away from the foundation so when it's full grown, the branches do not intrude on the house facade. You want ample space for both the branches and spreading roots to grow.

Cultivars

• Cultivars of the Japanese maple mature anywhere from 5 to 25 feet tall and 5 to 20 feet wide. Choose dwarf cultivars, noting their mature size, in foundation beds.

Growing Tips

• The soil in the planting area needs to be moist, well drained, rich in organic matter and acidic. The Japanese maple is not drought tolerant. Japanese maples look best when shaded from hot afternoon sunlight, especially in hot summer climates.

Warning

• Japanese maples grow slowly. Do not be deceived by small, container-grown plants. They do not remain that small but mature 30 to 50 years after planting.