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Transplanting Japanese Maple in NC: Plant Now, Not Spring

Question: 5-ft Japanese maple in 7-gal pot (was 3-gal). Seller says wait until March. Plant now in NC?

Answer

Yes, plant now in NC. Easier to maintain in ground. Dig hole 2× container, use good soil, mulch 3 inches (pine straw), water 1 inch every 3 days for 2 weeks, then weekly. No fertilizer first year.

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