Maple trees have long been valued by landscaping enthusiasts because of their exceptional fall foliage. However, not all maple trees are made equally and some are more suited for decorative purposes while others are more appropriately used as shade-trees. There are six main varieties of maple trees: Paperbark maples, Silver maples, Sugar maples, Norway maples, Red maples and Japanese maples.
While their fall foliage is stunning, maples tend to be very large trees, often achieving heights of over 120 feet depending on the species. For this reason, artificial maple trees are generally not very popular. Smaller versions of the mature trees can be custom built but these artificial maple trees tend to be quite costly to manufacture. Orders are consequently rare. An exception to this is the artificial Japanese maple tree.
The Japanese maple is, by far, one of the most popular maple trees. Japanese maple trees are beautiful plants well known for their exceptional fall foliage. In fact, their popular classification into ‘Red’, ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Crimson Queen’ and ‘Cutleaf Green’ varieties is based on their foliage colors during the fall season. As the name indicates, the leaves of the ‘Red’ variety are red during the summer months and brighten as fall approaches. The well-liked ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple has foliage that is closer to reddish-purple and turns to an outstanding crimson during the fall. Similarly, the ‘Crimson’ variety also displays a comparable color for the fall season but the leaves are dark red during summer. In contrast, the foliage of the ‘Cutleaf Green’ Japanese maple is green in summer but turns to a striking gold during the fall season.
As with their natural relatives, artificial Japanese maple trees come in a variety of colors, from green to burgundy and rust orange. Typically, the lower half of the artificial Japanese maple tree consists of a long, thin trunk. This is topped by dense, narrow foliage. These trees are ideal in office settings, where they are usually placed in room corners, but the brighter colors are quite popular in homes. Artificial Japanese maple trees normally range in size from 40 inches to 96 inches. Small green samples are available for around $60 while the taller, more brightly colored, specimens have cost $300 or more.
The main advantage of using artificial Japanese maple trees is the retention of color. Larger plants are usually chosen for their brilliant displays. Their leaves are often treated so that fading as a result of sun damage is minimized. In addition, natural Japanese maple trees are seasonal. Their colors typically change from summer to fall. This is not a problem with artificial Japanese maple trees as they will keep the desired color. Since they are made of synthetic material, the risk of insect damage is also negligible. Maintenance of artificial Japanese maple trees is at a minimum although, as with any surface, they would need to be periodically dusted. Visit us online at http://www.artificialplantsandtrees.com or call 9086475226
The Japanese Maple Tree
The seeds are attached to a wing, it's best to break the wing off before storing or planting the seeds. Japanese Maple seeds have a very hard outer coating as do many ornamental plants. Under natural conditions the seeds would have to be on the ground for almost two years before they would germinate. All that happens the first winter is the moisture softens the hard outer shell, and the second winter germination is beginning to take place.
In order for all of this to happen in the proper sequence so the seedlings actually sprout at a time of the year when freezing temperatures or hot summer sun doesn't kill them, takes a tremendous amount of luck.
You can improve the odds by controlling some of these conditions, and shorten the cycle. Once you have picked the seeds and removed the wing just place them in a paper bag and store them in a cool dry place until you are ready for them. You don't want to plant your seeds out in the spring until the danger of frost has past. Here in the north May 15th is a safe bet.
If May 15th is your target date you should count backwards on the calendar 100 days. That will take you to about February 5th if my math is correct. On or about the 100th day prior to your target planting date, take the seeds and place them in a Styrofoam cup or other container that will withstand some hot water. Draw warm to hot water from your kitchen faucet and pour it over the seeds. Most of the seeds will float, just leave them in the water overnight as the water cools down. 24 hours later most of the seeds will have settled to the bottom of the cup
Drain off the water. Place the seeds in a plastic bag with a mixture of sand and peat or other suitable growing mix. Even light potting soil will work. The peat or soil should be moist, but not soaking wet. Poke some holes in the bag so there is some air circulation, and place the bag in your refrigerator for a period of 100 days.
After 100 days you can plant the seeds outside. If you have timed it correctly, you should be at or close to your target planting date.
To plant the seeds just sow them on top of a bed of well drained topsoil or sterilized potting soil, and cover with approximately 3/8" of soil. Water them thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly again. If you water them frequently, not only do you stand a chance of the seeds rotting from being too wet, but you will also keep them cool, which will slow down the germination process.
Once they start to germinate provide about 50% shade to keep the sun from burning them. Snow fence suspended about 30" above the bed will provide about 50% shade. Japanese Maples will tolerate some shade so it isn't too important to transplant them too quickly. Depending on how close together they are, you might be able to leave them in the same bed for one or two growing seasons. Don't transplant until they are completely dormant.
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