- 1). Test the soil pH of the new planting location before transplanting. According to Pacific Coast Maples, Japanese maples prefer a slightly acidic, 5.5 to 6.5 soil pH and sandy, loam soil "with a low to medium amount of organic matter." Amend the soil according to the results. Obtain soil testing kit at a local nursery.
- 2). Water the Japanese maple the day before transplanting so the roots will be damp when moving the tree. Remove the Japanese maple tree from its current location by digging a trench around the tree and under the root system.
- 3). Wrap the root system in burlap, and securely it tightly with twine. Move the tree carefully to its new location by picking up the burlapped wrapped roots. The new location should have indirect sunlight and well-drained, acidic soil.
- 4). Dig a hole four times larger than the root system. Place the Japanese maple's burlapped root system into the hole. Backfill with soil, halting when it is two-thirds full to cut the twine and exposed burlap. Finish backfilling the hole and water deeply.
- 5). Apply a 2-inch layer of pine bark around the newly transplanted tree to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Do not let the mulch touch the trunk of the tree.
- 6). Water the Japanese tree frequently the first two weeks after the transplant to establish the tree. Japanese maples require plenty of water because of their shallow roots. Washington State University Extension recommends waiting until the next growing seasons to fertilize newly transplanted trees.
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