Can we talk about wisteria for a minute? I mean, a vine in full bloom is like something straight out of a fairy tale.The long, vibrant clusters of blossoms and t
06.06.2023 - 16:40 / gardenerspath.com / Kristine Lofgren
Japanese Maple Lifespan: How Long Can These Trees Live?You spend time searching for the perfect Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and you shell out your hard-earned money to buy the biggest one you can afford – and that’s only the beginning.
Then you need to dig that giant hole and plant the darn thing, not to mention all the care that goes into raising it.
It’s no wonder you want to know how long your investment is going to last, thriving in the landscape as a beautiful specimen.
We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Some trees can live for thousands of years, like bristlecone pines, and others are here for just a few decades, like some palms. Japanese maples fall somewhere in the middle.
In this guide, we’re going to go over how fast these elegant trees grow, how long they can live, and what you can do to influence their lifespan.
Here’s what we’ll go over:
Whether you inherited a house with an older specimen in the yard or you’re planning for the future, it can be helpful to know what to expect.
Of course, caring for trees often includes an element of the unexpected, and you never know when a disease or storm will take one out.
But in general, how long can you expect your investment to continue paying dividends through years of enjoyment, with colorful foliage and lush growth?
Let’s find the answer.
How Fast Do They Grow?Japanese maples are slow growing, though there are a few varieties with moderate growth rates.
Most can be expected to grow anywhere from just a few inches to up to a foot per year. Within 10 years after planting, your average specimen might be only seven feet tall or so.
Others might reach 15 feet after 10 years, depending on the cultivar
Can we talk about wisteria for a minute? I mean, a vine in full bloom is like something straight out of a fairy tale.The long, vibrant clusters of blossoms and t
I adore Japanese hollies. They’re not fussy about their environment and they maintain their shape without much – if any – pruning. They’re the industrious gardener’s alternative to disease-prone and maintenance-heavy boxwoods.There are dozens of named cultivars and they come in
Lady palms are elegant, tough, and they can bring a bit of the tropics into any space.Unlike other palms, these plants aren’t all that tender
When you think of your favorite winter holiday decorations, do you imagine glossy, pointy holly with bright red berries?I know I do. And if you’ve ever wondered if you could
Many people don’t tend to think of plants as living things in need of feeding. This feature tends to stand out more in animals, what with their gaping mouths and (sometimes) teeth.But plants need to be fed as well, even the
Dealing with a difficult area in the garden? I’ve been there.I once had a group of Japanese hollies growing ne
We all have those spots in the garden that defy our attempts to cultivate them. And that’s where junipers come in.These evergreen shrubs are the ones that we perpetually
Chrysanthemums are more than just a pretty face. We love these plants for their colorful pom poms that last all summer long, but underneath that cheery facade lies a killer.Of insects, that is.We link to vendors to help
Ah, the Acer palmatum. Delicate foliage, a graceful branching habit, stunning fall color… it’s got the full package.Most gardeners can find a spot for a Japanese maple in
It loves chilly weather, is essential for making kimchi, and isn’t as fussy as some other brassicas. Say “hello” to napa cabbage.Also known as Chinese cabbage, this plant is perfect for growing when man
Box moth caterpillars – also known as box tree moth caterpillars- can strip the leaves from your box plant or hedge.
If I tell you that the oldest living cultivated fruit tree in America is nearly 400 years old, would you believe me? Well, it’s true. And not only that, it’s a pear tree! Who knew? According to the New England Historical Society, William Endicott planted the specimen sometime between 1630 and 1649 on his farm in Massachusetts.This mighty pear tree has survived almost 400 y