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What feed to use for my Acer

Elizabeth225Elizabeth225 Posts: 96
in Problem solving
Could someone give me some advice please,on what feed to give an Acer that I have had given to me,& how often to feed it,many thanks in advance.
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Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    The best single thing you can do for a potted Acer is topto it on. That looks like a small pot for the size of the specimen and no amount of liquid feed will compensate for roots that get too warm in a small pot. 

    But aside from that once a month liquid seaweed or an ericaceous feed will do nicely. Frequently forget about it and they don't mind. No point in overfeeding a tree. Another option is a slow release fertiliser put in the soil at the start of spring and left alone for the season. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Elizabeth225Elizabeth225 Posts: 96
    I did mix some Chicken pellets into the compost in April because I do that on my borders every spring anyway,so do you think that will suffice for the season? Also could you tell me  when I should repot into a bigger planter.Many thanks for your valuable advice.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd be wary of using chicken  manure. My understanding is that it's slightly alkaline.
    Better to use a proprietary feed or seaweed. 
    They need repotting very two or three years, only moving them up a small amount at a time to prevent young, fragile roots drowning in too much moisture. Although Acers require, and prefer, plenty of moisture, they also need good drainage. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Elizabeth225Elizabeth225 Posts: 96
    Ok,many thanks Fairygirl,I will take that onboard in future about the Chicken pellets,would it be wise to wait until it’s dormant again to repot it.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    But it's looking great so take your time and find a nice slightly larger pot. In a pot I'd avoid any organic fertiliser as it would perform better in the ground where you have the microorganisms to break them down properly. An inorganic granular fertiliser like Miracle Gro or Growmore works better in pots as they're heat and moisture activated so they're more effective in the confines of a pot. It took me a while to work out that basic fact...but we live and learn. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Daffodil59Daffodil59 Posts: 29
    We have two Acers, red and a green one, both look like they have burnt leaves yet they're kept in the shade, can anyone tell me do they prefer shade or sun? 
    Many thanks 
  • Elizabeth225Elizabeth225 Posts: 96
    Thank you very much both for your valuable advice.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited July 2020
    Dappled shade is best for virtually all of them @Daffodil59, but the red ones need a little sun to make the best of the foliage. Late sun is always the most suitable to prevent that searing heat through the main part of the day.
    Wind/sun are the main reasons for leaf damage, but so is insufficient water - especially at certain times.
    If you think about the climate we have in the west of Scotland, and how well Acers grow here, that gives you a clue to the conditions they like best. It's very similar to their natural habitat. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Daffodil59Daffodil59 Posts: 29
    Fairygirl said:
    Dappled shade is best for virtually all of them @Daffodil59, but the red ones need a little sun to make the best of the foliage. Late sun is always the most suitable to prevent that searing heat through the main part of the day.
    Wind/sun are the main reasons for leaf damage, but so is insufficient water - especially at certain times.
    If you think about the climate we have in the west of Scotland, and how well Acers grow here, that gives you a clue to the conditions they like best. It's very similar to their natural habitat. 
    Thank you very much Fairygirl, I appreciate that, fortunately they always come back each year but I would like to give them the best to prolong their best growth. 
  • Daffodil59Daffodil59 Posts: 29
    Elizabeth225 said:
    Thank you very much both for your valuable advice.
    That's a beautiful Acer you have. 
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