Time Frame

• Feeding, if needed, should take place in early spring so the tree can have use of the food during the growing season.
  
  

Plant Food

• Plant food that is 10-10-10 is recommended. These numbers mean that the food (or fertilizer) contains 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous and 10 percent potassium.
  
  

Fertilizer Application

• Using the drip line of the tree (this is where the outer branches reach to and drip)punch a hole every two feet about six inches deep and two inches across and fill about halfway with your slow-release plant food. Water the tree thoroughly once the holes are all filled.
  
  

Soil Conditions

• Japanese maple trees prefer a slightly acidic, sandy loam type of soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
  
  

Warning

• Overfeeding is one of the main reasons that Japanese maple trees die, so be sure you need to feed your tree before you do it.