Acer (Japanese Maples)

Japanese Maples & Acer Trees for Sale

Few plants transform a garden like a Japanese maple. Also known as acer trees (Acer palmatum), these elegant acers range from compact dwarf shrubs perfect for pots and patios right up to graceful specimen trees. Prized for their delicate, finely cut foliage and spectacular autumn colour — flame red, burnt orange and deep burgundy — acers bring instant structure, movement and a sense of calm to any space. At Grasslands Nursery we grow one of the widest ranges of Japanese maples and acer trees for sale in the UK, from young plants to established specimens, all available to order online.

Choosing the right acer

• For pots & small gardens: compact dwarf varieties and dissectum (cut-leaf) types stay neat and slow-growing.
• For autumn colour: atropurpureum and ‘Bloodgood’ types give the richest reds.
• For a specimen tree: upright palmatum varieties make a stunning focal point or small lawn tree.
• For shade & shelter: most acers prefer dappled shade and protection from cold winds and late frosts, which can scorch new leaves.

Japanese Maple & Acer FAQs

Are acers evergreen?
No — Japanese maples are deciduous. They lose their leaves in winter, but reward you with fresh spring growth and exceptional autumn colour.

Can I grow an acer tree in a pot?
Yes. Dwarf and dissectum acers are ideal for containers. Use a loam-based, ericaceous compost, keep them in dappled shade and water regularly in summer.

Where is the best place to plant a Japanese maple?
A sheltered spot in dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid exposed, windy positions and frost pockets, which can damage the delicate foliage.

How big do acer trees grow?
It varies hugely by variety — from dwarf shrubs under 1m to small trees of 4–6m. Check the individual product page for each variety’s ultimate height and spread.

Japanese Maples or Acer Palmatum

Acer Palmatum or Japanese Maples include ever increasing numbers of new and interesting forms. They range from dwarf shrubs up to small trees.  Instantaneously they can transform your garden into a place of tranquillity and Zen.  No garden is complete without the beauty of a Japanese Maple. The colour in the autumn alone is enough to warrant their use, add to that the pleasure of the delicate foliage swaying gently in a summer breeze; you have perfection for 9 months of the year.

Where to site your Acers

They can get quite large after several years and require a little room to appreciate them, so toward the back of the border or as a stand-alone feature.  They are also the perfect plant for a pot. If they are in a pot remember to wrap the pot well in Winter or take inside to stop the frost killing the roots. The dissectum varieties are better for smaller shrubs, forming domes of arching, deeply cut leaves. 

How to grow and look after your maples

 They are fairly easy to grow and prefer a little dapple shade and a site out of strong winds.  They are best planted in slightly acidic soil that is well drained. If your soil is not acidic, include some ericaceous compost when backfilling the planting hole.

 Pruning Japanese Maples is better carried out in Autumn/Winter when the sap is falling or the plant is dormant.  If it is necessary to prune at other times of the year then you should use a wound seal treatment on the cut to avoid disease getting in. 

Be careful not to over feed your Acer; use little and often and use organic chicken pellets or specialist acer feed.