Japanese maples can truly electrify your landscape,
garden or patio with glowing fall colors that range from fire engine red to
nearly glow-in-the dark yellow.

They not only add dramatic autumn color to our typical green palette of
lawns, trees and shrubs, many varieties provide gorgeous spring, summer and
winter displays as well.

With hundreds of cultivars to choose from, there truly is a Japanese maple
for almost any location in the Bay Area. But it's still important to get the
right tree for your conditions, and to take proper care of it.

A common cause of failure in growing maples is poor drainage, says Sara Monte
of Wildwood Farm in Kenwood. Consistent, even watering also is key, says Sachi
Umehara of Momiji Nursery in Santa Rosa. It is important to provide adequate
moisture across the entire drip line of the tree, not just in a couple of
isolated spots.

As with most plants, adding compost when planting and applying an annual
layer of mulch around the drip line of the tree will not only help get them off
to a good start, but will help retain moisture as well.

And if you are planting trees in containers, it is a good idea to wrap the
pots in the winter to help retain heat. Trees planted in pots require more
frequent watering.

Japanese maples are not heavy feeders and will not need regular fertilizing
after being established. However, trees grown in containers will benefit from
one or two mild applications in the spring once the risk of frost has passed.

It's also best to establish young trees in partial shade before moving them
to a sunnier location.

Now is a great time to select and plant your trees. Not only will you be able
to see the various maples in their fall splendor, but the tree will have time to
set roots before the first wave of heat in the spring. Most Japanese maples do
best when planted in morning sun and partial or dappled afternoon shade.
However, contrary to popular belief, many cultivars can be grown in full
sun.

Here are some varieties to consider, depending on your conditions and
location.

Heat tolerant