How to Grow Japanese Lace-Leaf

Select a planting site in partial shade for the Japanese lace-leaf, such as the eastern side of a house. This location provides the trees protection from the afternoon sun.

Add organic compost to soil with poor drainage. The Japanese lace-leaf prefers loam, although it can tolerate some sand and clay. Add peat to the soil as necessary to lower the soil pH to between 4 and 7.5.

Create a mound of soil around the trunk of the Japanese lace-leaf at least 3 inches high to further improve the soil's drainage. Ensure the crown of the tree is above the soil level, as this tree does not root deeply.

Water the Japanese lace-leaf tree with 2 inches of supplemental water per week during its first growing season after transplanting it. Increase the amount of water during a prolonged drought to ensure the roots remain moist.

Apply a layer of leaf mulch that is at least 3 inches deep around the trunk of the Japanese lace-leaf. Ensure the mulch does not touch the trunk to prevent damage from insects and disease.

Wrap the trunk of a Japanese lace-leaf with tree wrap for its first two years of growth if it is in a sunny location. These trees are especially sensitive to leaf burn when they are young.