Japanese maples are beautiful in summer with their red leaves, but many gardeners hurt them by feeding at the wrong time. Japanese maples are very sensitive to heat.

It's too hot to feed Japanese maples in late June because the salts and chemicals in fertilizer can hurt the roots and leaves.

Gardening experts say the latest time to fertilize Japanese maples is early May. Now, mulching is more effective.

Mulch helps the roots from heat in summer and cold in winter, and reduces watering. It's a good friend to your maple.

Japanese maples struggle in hot weather and can get damaged if fertilized now.

Japanese maples face challenges in British gardens because their roots are close to the surface and dry out fast.

They naturally grow well in Japan's woodland areas where the forest floor has leaf debris that keeps the roots protected from the sun.

Mulching means covering the soil with organic matter, which keeps plants cool in hot weather.

Mulching Japanese maples is essential as it helps the soil keep moisture and shields the roots from heat.

A simple way to help Japanese maples in summer is to mulch them.

Applying mulch keeps Japanese maples healthy and thriving, and natural mulch nourishes the soil over time.

To start, buy mulch from a garden center. Wood chips or pine needles are good for Japanese maples.

Clear the area around the tree and remove weeds or debris so the mulch can work properly.

Spread the mulch around the tree, but not touching the trunk, to prevent bark rot.

Japanese maples can struggle or lose leaves in summer if not cared for properly.

Distribute the mulch evenly and water it thoroughly to keep the tree healthy.

Your Japanese maple will stay healthy and cool for the rest of the summer with its beautiful foliage.