General cultural requirements for Japanese Maples, in all climates, are well drained semi-acidic soil, consistent water, always moist, never soggy and protection from hot afternoon sun and drying winds. In many areas hard alkaline water presents the greatest challenge. By mid summer leaves will seem to burn on the edges. This is a symptom of mineral buildup in the soil. By planting in an acid soil mix, including gypsum at a rate of one cup for five gallons of soil, using an acidifying fertilizer once a year, and drenching with treated water periodically you can prevent the mineral build up in your soil. To remove minerals from water add one tablespoon of white vinegar per five gallons of water and allow to sit overnight. The minerals will settle to the bottom of the bucket. Drench the root area thoroughly allowing water to run through the soil. By growing in a container you can more easily care for your tree.
When choosing your maples, spring is the most important season to consider in hard water areas. Typically in hard water areas fall color is inconsistent; spring color with maples is long, and glorious. Here are a few suggestions for spring color:
For red through the summer: