Специалисты рекомендуют подкормить японские клены в сентябре перед зимой

Japanese maples are a glorious addition to any garden, brightening displays with vibrant red foliage. With the summer drawing to a close, autumn is the perfect time to get ahead with any garden maintenance for winter. In a recent video for Cherry Lane Garden Centres, gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish shared all of the important jobs that fellow gardeners should be carrying out this month. When it comes to Japanese maples, September is the best month to give them their second and final feed of the year - a vital step that will carry them through until next spring. In the video, Ish said: "Acers only need two feeds a year, one in March and one in September." How to care for Japanese maples in autumn It doesn't matter if the Japanese Acer is planted in a pot or in the ground; either would benefit from a few care steps in autumn. This will help prepare the plant for the cold winter ahead, but also give it a good kickstart for the rest of the year and spring next year. Gardeners should be focusing on maintenance as the weather begins to turn and get cooler and wetter. September is the best time to give Japanese maples a feed, the second and last one of the year. Ish explained that Japanese maples only need two feeds a year; the first should be done in March, while September is the best time for a second feed. He said: "Now is the best time to do the final feed of the year." You want to choose a slow-release feed that can provide vital nutrients for the plant. All you need to do is simply place the feed directly on top of the soil around the base of the plant. Follow with a generous amount of water to allow the feed to sink into the soil. This will help the plant thrive through winter and survive all the way through until next spring. Previously, Ish explained why slow-releasing feeds are so good for Japanese maples. Ish said: "Now a slow-releasing acer feed is high in potassium and phosphorus as opposed to nitrogen, meaning it focuses all its energy right down here, in root development." The feed will help the roots become strong ready for the winter, and will carry them through until spring. To help protect the plant further - and keep it hydrated - you want to retain moisture. This can be done by adding a well-drenched mulch onto the surface, either with a multi-purpose compost or leaves. "By having that mulch there, you'll provide a slow release, organic matter," he said. "But keep it protected from those cold winds." Avoid any quick-release feeds or liquid fertilisers, as these can scorch the delicate, shallow roots of Japanese maples. Rapid bursts of nitrogen cause fast, stretched, and weak tissue growth. Gradual feeding supports compact, balanced, and healthy foliage.