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Acer Trompenburg or replace?

jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 434
in Plants
Hi all, i have an acer trompenburg in a corner of my garden that is lovely but is so small and so slow growing. I'm very tempted to replace it and replant this in a container as it's very slow growing. Hasn't put on much growth at all in last 3 years. The girth of the the main stem has grown a bit but not much height at all. Maybe it needs a feed with ericacious compost? I understand maybe 1 foot a year would be normal maybe but not even getting close to that.

Looking for something that will create some privacy. It's the sunniest sport in the garden, south west facting.

What trees would you suggest for this site please or do you think i should leave the acer alone and be patient? Would be interesting to hear if any of you have this acer and your experience?

Thanks all,

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I would try and improve the conditions for the one you have first. It may have had difficulty establishing a good root system. 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 434
    Thanks, I did dig in lots of compost and blood fish and bone when planting. What would be the best feed to give Japanese maples? Just lots of compost and mulch?
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I'm  not sure. Someone will know. I suspect it isn't short of water over there unless it's crowded, or sheltered from the rain. Can you post a pic of the plant and situation to help the experts?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 434
    Not a great photo and bit of a messy corner.  :) There's a fushia to left and big elderberry to right so maybe a little crowded. Just gave it some blood fish and bone.


  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 434

  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Acers are very slow growing, I have an acer palmatum similar to yours that has only put on a foot in ten years! Is that a slightly sunken well of soil it is in? They don’t like to be planted too deeply or very heavily mulched, so I wonder if the shallow roots of yours have been a bit buried?  I give mine a light mulch of leaf mould, an occasional feed for acid loving plants (because my water is very alkaline) and apart from keeping it moist, that’s about it. Not an expert, btw!
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 434
    1 foot in 10 years  :open_mouth: I have acer autopurpureum in a pot also and has put on that much growth in 2 years. Hopefully this year i should see more growth. Don't think i have it planted too deep. Most places online saying around 10foot after 10 years. 
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