- 1). Water the Japanese maple in the container 24 hours prior to planting.
- 2). Clear an area to plant the Japanese maple that has partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Select a location with enough space for the expected size of the fully grown tree.
- 3). Dig a hole that is equal to the depth of the container and three to five times the width. This will allow the roots to spread out more easily as the tree develops.
- 4). Remove the Japanese maple from the container and check the root system. Use your hands to pull the roots apart and cut off any damaged roots found.
- 5). Place the tree in the center of the hole with the roots spread out naturally. Check the location of the trunk flare and add or remove soil from beneath the tree until the trunk flare is a few inches above ground level. The trunk flare is where the root system meets the trunk.
- 6). Fill the hole with the removed soil. Flood the area with water to remove any air from the soil and to settle the Japanese maple in place.
- 7). Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the Japanese maple. Keep a 6-inch area around the trunk of the tree clear. This will keep weeds from growing and conserve moisture in the soil.