i live in northern illinois, and just purchased a very nice red dragon laceleaf japanese maple. it is about 3 ft. tall and 3 to 4 ft. around. it is mid june and temps very from 70's to upper 80's right now. i have a nice place for it (morning sun and good wind protection) but i'm wondering if i should wait until fall or even next spring to put it in the ground. can anyone tell me when to plant and/or what to do with it until then? i've read that they do best if planted in spring. i'm very new with this and could sure use some help. thanks
Jason, Your plant will do better being in the ground. I plant maples all year round - summer included. Just give them a spot that has afternoon shade and don't let them get water-stressed. They do much better with their roots in the cool soil. They will also have all summer to grow and get established before dormancy. Just don't fertilize the tree at this time. Only do that once in the early spring with an organic (low nitrogen) fertilizer.
